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Orting public works: Kansas Street estimate rises; city to seek more TIB funds and expects WSDOT reimbursements
Summary
Orting City Council received a multi‑department public works briefing that updated members on project schedules, engineering estimates and funding plans, including a higher estimate for Kansas Street reconstruction and ongoing coordination with WSDOT on a pedestrian bridge reimbursement.
Orting City Council received a multi‑department public works briefing that updated members on project schedules, engineering estimates and funding plans, including a higher estimate for Kansas Street reconstruction and ongoing coordination with WSDOT on a pedestrian bridge reimbursement.
Why it matters: Several large capital projects are underway or planned. Changes to estimates and grant requests can affect the city budget, timing of construction and coordination with utilities and state agencies.
What staff reported: Council Member Hogan summarized public‑works committee items and relayed engineering updates. He said the latest engineers' estimate for the Kansas Street project is "like, at 2900000.0 now, more than initially projected. City will go back to TIB to request a budget increase if funding's available." Bidding was described as expected in October with construction potentially in December, subject to utility relocations and additional temporary construction easements.
Pedestrian bridge and reimbursements: The city has spent roughly $4 million on a pedestrian bridge project and staff said they expect just under $4 million in reimbursement from WSDOT; to date the city has received "just under a million dollars," according to the finance report. Staff noted there remain outstanding TCEs and utility relocations to resolve before construction begins.
Wastewater and pump station work: Wilson Engineering is progressing design work toward 90 percent completion for wastewater treatment improvements. For Rainier Meadows pump station the city approved purchase of non‑clogging pumps rather than a full grinder installation; staff estimated that pump replacement will save approximately $80,000 compared with a grinder option.
Other updates: Parametrix (engineering consultant) is updating hydraulic models and performing water‑system condition assessments; water‑system flushing and maintenance activities were underway; staff reported NEPA clearance for the White Hawk Boulevard extension project and final plat work advancing on Bridgewater and Rainier Meadows developments, with the Bridgewater engineers' estimate and parametrix reviews still in progress. Community development reported the final plat and civil approvals are moving, with 33 new homes anticipated in Bridgewater and five new units in a short plat on Tacoma Court.
Process and next steps: Staff said they will request additional TIB funding if available, continue coordination with WSDOT on reimbursements and finalize permitting and bidding timelines. No formal council motion or vote on additional appropriations was made at the meeting.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article: Council Member Hogan (public works report), Public Works Supervisor Glenn (project updates), Community Director Gunderson, Finance Director (reporting reimbursements).
