FPUA awards $199,172 contract for equipment storage building at water treatment plant

The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board approved a contract Sept. 16 to construct an equipment storage building at the city water treatment plant, awarding the contract to Richard K. Davis Construction Corporation for the lowest responsive bid of $199,172.

Steve Murtaugh, water resources superintendent, told the board the water treatment plant has experienced "premature aging of its portable generators, boom trucks, and trailers due to inadequate protection from the elements." He said an enclosed building would protect those assets, increase reliability and prolong their service life. "These are expensive items that are necessary for the operation and maintenance of water resource facilities," Murtaugh said.

Murtaugh described the procurement: the request for proposals was posted to DemandStar on June 27, 2025, advertised on June 10 and June 17, 2025, and sent to nearly 1,200 vendors; 40 vendors requested specifications and nine submitted proposals, seven of them local. The winning proposal covers site work and construction of a 40-by-60-foot, 17-foot-high metal building engineered to withstand winds up to 170 mph.

A board member confirmed the project was included in the department’s budget; Murtaugh said it was budgeted. A motion to approve the contract was made, seconded and approved by roll-call vote. Missus Bennett, Missus Davis, Mayor Hudson and Missus Gibbons voted yes.

Murtaugh said staff will coordinate construction administration and return with any necessary follow-up.