County to grant up to $187,000 to CREW for replacement of nonfunctional hydrants in Santa Teresa service area
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Summary
The board approved a county grant of up to $187,000 to help replace or repair 31 nonfunctional fire hydrants identified by county fire responders in CREW’s service area; CREW has committed to seek remaining funding.
The county approved allocating up to $187,000 to assist CREW (an area water utility) with replacing or repairing fire hydrants that county fire rescue found were not functioning during recent hydrant testing. County staff said the fire department tested roughly 110 hydrants and identified 31 that were not operating.
Assistant County Manager Stephen Lopez told the board CREW lacks adequate reserves to replace all failed hydrants immediately and that the county grant would fund about half of the replacements so first-priority hydrants could be addressed while CREW pursues additional funding tied to its upcoming rate study. Lopez said hydrants would be prioritized with input from County Fire Rescue and that costs per hydrant would be determined once contractors assess each location; replacement work could reveal additional piping, valve or seal repairs.
Commissioners requested the county receive an implementation update showing which hydrants were replaced, contractor estimates, and any downstream work on pipes or valves. The board approved the grant concept and directed the county manager to establish grant criteria and sign related documents; formal grant paperwork and a project schedule will follow.
Commissioners asked staff to report back on project progress and cost detail once contractor estimates are available.