County approves $91,886 amendment for Tudo water-system construction services

The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners approved Amendment No. 4 to RH2 Engineering’s professional services contract to provide construction services on the Tudo Water System Improvements.

County Engineer Susan Eugeneis told the board, “This authorization will increase their contract amount by $91,886 and increase the timeframe by 6 months to June 30, 2026 to give us adequate time for the construction to be completed.” Eugeneis said the extra authorization covers construction inspection, review of technical submittals and on-site assistance during installation and startup of pumps and pressure-reducing equipment.

Nut graf: The work targets areas along Spirit Lake Highway where customers have low water pressure. The project includes running additional lines and installing a pump station near South Silver Lake Road to improve pressure for existing customers and to provide capacity for future connections.

Commissioners asked staff to clarify billing and system ownership for customers in the Tudo area. Eugeneis explained that treated water for that system is purchased from the City of Castle Rock as part of a consortium arrangement and that county billing is handled from the county’s Kelso office; she said the county’s rate increase this year is 5 percent.

Staff said the $91,886 increase is under 10% of the construction bid amount and is typical for construction-phase consultant services on projects that include specialized equipment. The board voted to approve the amendment; staff will continue with construction inspection and contractor startup activities through the extended contract date.

Ending: RH2 will provide inspection and startup services through June 30, 2026; the county said construction staff and the consultant will coordinate closely because much of the work involves pumps and pressure-control equipment outside normal road-construction experience.