Commission OKs contractor transfer and construction management amendments for Warner Draw watershed work

Washington County commissioners voted to transfer an existing agreement to Adaptive Environmental Planning LLC and to approve an amended contract with Bowen Collins and Associates for construction management and inspection services tied to the Warner Draw watershed project.

County staff said the Warner Draw watershed environmental review began in 2018. An initial environmental assessment shifted to a more detailed environmental impact statement after consultants determined the planned improvements exceeded the scope of an EA. McMillan Inc. had been the prime on the EIS, but staff reported the county has effectively been working with McMillan’s subconsultant, Adaptive Environmental Planning (AEP), and asked to transfer the agreement to AEP to reduce overhead and speed progress.

"They have done all of their work on it and haven't worked on the project for the last year," a staff member said of the prime consultant; the staff explanation noted the recommended change would let the county work directly with Adaptive Environmental Planning.

Separately, commissioners approved an amended agreement with Bowen Collins and Associates for construction management and inspection services for the Warner Draw Phase 1, Project 5 — the Hurricane irrigation efficiency subproject. The construction‑management contract is for just under $751,000 and staff said construction will continue through the year, which will require street work in Hurricane city.

Both resolutions were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff said the pair of actions are part of a long‑running watershed program that is now moving into construction and detailed environmental review.