Council awards IH‑35 water main crossing contract; developer to fund majority, council approves optional 10‑inch upgrade
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Summary
Council approved resolution R6-26-2025-1 to award the IH‑35 water main crossing contract to the low bidder, Southern Contractors Group, with the developer (Foodie Travel Center) to pay most costs; council discussed and authorized an optional upgrade from 6‑inch to 10‑inch for an additional cost the administrator described as about $21,000.
The Bruceville‑Eddy City Council on June 20 awarded the IH‑35 water main crossing contract to Southern Contractors Group, approving Resolution R6-26-2025-1 to permit a bore under I‑35 to serve the Foodie Travel Center development.
City Administrator Kent Manton and engineering staff reviewed the bid and financing. They said the base bid called for a 6‑inch main to serve the travel center, and council had the option to upgrade to a 10‑inch main for an incremental cost the administrator described as about $21,000. Staff said the developer would pay the construction costs for the crossing and that the city’s financial exposure would be limited to any additional line‑size upgrade if council chose it.
Manton reported the water fund cash balance and near‑term commitments: roughly $1.6 million on hand, about $1.0 million originally set aside for projects in this fiscal year, approximately $408,000 encumbered for the Old Bethany project, and roughly $589,000 remaining for other projects. He recommended the council approve the 10‑inch upgrade now because installing the larger line at construction is cheaper than upsizing later.
Engineering staff and the selected bidder agreed to delay material purchases while the developer finalizes permits in nearby Lorena; a notice to proceed will not be issued until the city receives the project amount and the developer completes permitting and financing arrangements. Staff stated an estimated construction commencement date of September 2025, subject to permit approvals.
Action: Council approved Resolution R6-26-2025-1 awarding the IH‑35 water main crossing bid to Southern Contractors Group and authorized proceeding with the 10‑inch upgrade option; council recorded the vote as unanimous.
Councilmembers noted Southern Contractors’ prior work for the city and that the contractor was about to begin other local water main work. Staff said the upgrade decision would increase capacity for future growth and avoid later retrofit costs.