City awards $8.27 million contract to rebuild streets and utilities in historic Colored Addition subdivision

Pflugerville City Council approved Jan. 28 a construction contract for infrastructure improvements in the historic Colored Addition subdivision, awarding the work to Joe Bland Construction for a recommendation amount of approximately $8.269 million.

City staff described the project as comprehensive reconstruction that will address street pavement, water and wastewater lines, power and street lighting and will add a new connector (Grama Street) in the project area. The scope covers Russell Street, Caldwell, Taylor Street, Lincoln Avenue and Grant Avenue (agenda listed Grant Avenue; staff said they believed the street name to be Grant Street and would confirm). Staff indicated the contract duration is about nine months and that a notice to proceed would be issued in February.

Staff clarified a small bid addendum increased costs by roughly $20,000 per bid (a minor change) and presented the corrected recommendation figure of $8,269,204. Council asked whether Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding had been considered; staff said the area did not meet CDBG eligibility thresholds.

Council members commented on the project's equity and historical importance, calling the investment a long-awaited improvement for a historically underserved area. After discussion, a motion to approve the construction contract and authorize the city manager to execute it was moved, seconded and carried.

Ending: Staff will issue the notice to proceed in February and manage construction over the planned nine-month schedule; council directed staff to confirm the street naming (Grant Street/Avenue) and to monitor connections to adjacent streets.