Atoka awards $441,923 contract to replace Walker Parkway culvert; board outlines funding plan

At its Sept. 9 meeting, the Atoka Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to award a $441,923.75 contract to CRE Construction Company to replace a failed culvert on Walker Parkway.

The board’s approval followed a public bid opening in which CRE Construction submitted the low responsive bid of $441,923.75; other bids included Buncan Memphis at $497,466 and Dement Construction at $547,961.75. Town staff recommended awarding the work to CRE as the lowest responsible bidder that met bid requirements.

Town officials said the Walker Parkway work is one of three related projects (two culvert replacements plus paving) that together cost about $1,106,702.75. To meet that total, the administrator outlined a funding mix: roughly $270,000 from a State Street allocation, $220,000 from Highways and Streets capital outlay, $200,000 from Highways and Streets repair and maintenance (leaving that account with a reduced balance), and $90,000 from the stormwater fund after prior pipelining work is paid. That combination still leaves a remaining gap of about $326,702.75, which the town may cover from reserves or by seeking financing through the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund.

Director comments and staff presentations noted that the Walker Parkway culvert failure occurred during recent storms and that the town has already begun FEMA coordination; officials said FEMA has made site visits and Atoka expects some federal reimbursement but did not give a specific dollar amount or timetable. Town staff told the board the recommended contractor would use precast box culverts and that the project has a 90-day completion period once the contract is executed and parts arrive.

Alderman Arber moved to award the bid to CRE Construction in the amount shown; Alderman Lightsey seconded. The board approved the motion by voice vote.

Town staff said the work is urgent because temporary repairs have been made but a permanent replacement is required to restore long-term safety and traffic flow. Officials warned the timeline depends on award, procurement of precast elements and mobilization; they said a more detailed schedule would be provided in the preconstruction meeting with the winning contractor.

If the town uses stormwater funds for part of the work, staff said a budget amendment will be required because that use would exceed the current stormwater line-item balance by about $48,500. The board discussed options for covering any remaining shortfall, including using reserves or seeking financing to avoid depleting essential operating line items.

Bids received (amounts as read at the meeting) and the staff recommendation were entered into the public record. The board approved the award and directed staff to proceed with contract execution and to return with any required budget amendments or financing proposals.