Tooele City ratifies $2.5 million contract for two test wells, with 5% contingency

Public Works Director Jamie Grandpre presented a resolution on July 16 to ratify a contract with Hydro Resources Rocky Mountain Inc. to drill two test wells for the 2025 Tooele City Wells Project. Grandpre told the council the city had solicited bids and received four bids; Hydro Resources was the low bidder at $2,536,638. The resolution ratifies the contract amount and includes a 5% contingency equal to $126,832. Grandpre said the work is intended to drill two test wells and, if conditions permit, convert one test well to a production well. Councilman McCall moved to approve Resolution 2025‑61; Councilwoman Manzione seconded. The council voted 5–0 to ratify the contract. Why it matters: the wells project is part of the city’s water-resource work to maintain supply capacity. Grandpre and council members emphasized the high costs of well drilling since the COVID period and the importance of staying ahead of capacity needs. Grandpre said the city received multiple bids and selected the lowest responsive bidder. Implementation: Grandpre said bids were received and work has already started on permitting and site preparation; the resolution ratifies the agreement so the contractor work may proceed.