Kitsap County approves design contract for Pump Station 24 phase 2 to upgrade electrical and access systems

Kitsap County public-works staff presented Phase 2 of the Pump Station 24 project and the board approved a $1,177,225 design contract amendment with Carolla Engineers Inc.

Anthony Burgess, capital project manager for the county’s Sewer Utility Division, described Pump Station 24 as the utility’s largest lift station, serving Naval Base Keyport, Naval Base Bangor and the City of Poulsbo. In 2023 two of the station’s three pumps failed and the remaining pump was more than 40 years old; staff secured an emergency declaration to pre-procure replacement pumps. Burgess said Phase 1 replaced pumps and restored redundancy; Phase 2 focuses on electrical, mechanical, HVAC, generator, and access upgrades and will include procurement of long-lead electrical equipment.

Burgess said the final project cost for design and construction is estimated at $1,760,000, and the county’s six-year capital-facilities plan had allocated $2,200,000 for the project. He noted the county will not rebuild the building but will upgrade systems to extend the facility’s life. Burgess said two interlocal agreements (ILAs) cover proportionate shares of project costs with Naval Base Keyport and the City of Poulsbo; the remainder will be paid by sewer ratepayers.

Commissioners asked about Poulsbo’s capital-funding plan and whether Bangor (Naval Base Bangor) contributes through customer rates; Burgess confirmed Poulsbo has funds budgeted for their share and that Bangor contributes via rates. A commissioner noted the $1 million design cost savings compared to the capital plan will help rate-setting discussions.

Commissioner Reid moved to approve the contract amendment; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The contract with Carolla Engineers Inc. for $1,177,225 was adopted.