Council authorizes hazard-mitigation grant application for Third Street culvert; estimated cost rises to $1.4M

The Borger City Council on Jan. 21 authorized submission of a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program application to the Texas Division of Emergency Management for repairs to the Third Street culvert after staff said construction bids far exceeded the city’s original estimate.

City staff told the council the culvert project was budgeted at $500,000 but construction bids arrived roughly $1,000,000 over that figure; staff now estimate the total project cost at about $1,400,000. The resolution authorizes the city to pursue state hazard-mitigation funds that would cover up to 75% of the project cost, with a 25% local match if awarded. The application is to a statewide pool and the award is not guaranteed.

“[The bids] came in $1,000,000 way over budget… The cost has gone up to about $1,400,000 now. It’s an estimated cost. This grant will do 75% of that cost with 25% on us,” the city manager said during the discussion.

Staff warned that leaving the culvert unrepaired risks continued washouts that could eventually limit access to the city’s sewer plant. The manager said the city could face a full local cost if grant funds are not awarded and that the project might be funded through a future bond issuance if necessary.

The council approved resolution R-001-25 authorizing the application and related actions; the city manager said the state’s award decisions will be known in roughly six months but that actual project delivery could take as long as three years.

No specific vote tally naming each council member was recorded in the meeting transcript; the council’s motion passed.