Committee moves Anson Street sewer extension to council for bidding authorization

The City of Tumwater Public Works Committee voted April 3 to place the Anson Street sewer extension project on the May 6 City Council consent calendar with a recommendation to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a public works contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

Jeff Quarry, an engineer in Tumwater’s Transportation and Engineering Department, told the committee the work would install approximately 1,425 feet of new 6-inch force main along Anson Road and decommission an old lift station at Lake Park Drive that contains active electrical equipment and a deteriorated valve vault. "The bulk of the improvements would be the installation of about a quarter mile of new 6 inch force main up Anson Street," Quarry said. He said the project would separate two tributary force mains so Suncrest and Streamland neighborhoods would pump on independent lines, increasing capacity and reducing maintenance needs.

Nut graf: the project aims to increase sewer system safety and capacity, reduce pump-station maintenance, and allow Anson Street to be fully restored under the city’s 2025 pavement maintenance program once construction is complete.

Quarry described benefits including decreased maintenance for utility crews and improved pumping capacity to support future sewer connections where septic systems are failing. He said the city expects the construction cost range to be "approximately $340,000 to $420,000," funded 100% through the sewer capital fund. The planned schedule in the presentation called for bid solicitation in April, a short construction window beginning in June (roughly four weeks), substantial completion in July and paving as part of the summer pavement project.

In committee, staff noted a budget amendment would be presented later in the year to cover the project because it was not in the originally prioritized capital list, but that the sewer fund can fully cover the work. Committee members asked whether adjacent properties on older parcels could connect to city sewer; Quarry said some properties have already converted from septic under the city's incentive program and that property owners would be able to connect without a special assessment tied to this transmission force main.

The committee unanimously approved a motion to place the Anson Sewer Project on the May 6 council consent calendar with a recommendation to authorize a public-works contract to the lowest responsible bidder.

Ending: If council approves the consent-calendar item, staff expect construction in June with roadway restoration to follow in the city’s 2025 pavement maintenance cycle.