Council approves up to $399,000 contract with Wright‑Pierce for water treatment design

The Somersworth City Council adopted Resolution 10-26 on Sept. 2 authorizing the city manager to contract with Wright‑Pierce Engineers of Portsmouth, N.H., for final engineering design services for the Somersworth Water Treatment Facility improvements, with a contract limit not to exceed $399,000. City Manager and staff previously briefed council committees on the project and said the work will be funded through the water budget. The resolution authorizes the manager to execute the engineering contract so detailed design work can proceed. Councilor Witham moved the resolution and Councilor Vincent seconded. The roll-call vote was recorded in the meeting as unanimous among present councilors. The contract will allow final design to move forward; staff noted follow-up actions will include project management, permitting and coordination with state regulators as design advances. The council did not vote on construction funding tonight; the resolution authorizes design services only.