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County reports progress on NEBO water projects; McGill selected for $400,000 asset inventory grant
Summary
County staff said NEBO water line work has begun and that phase 2 is nearing completion; commissioners approved awarding a DEQ $400,000 asset inventory and assessment grant contract to McGill Associates with a small state administrative fee withheld.
McDowell County staff updated commissioners on ongoing NEBO water projects and received board approval to award a $400,000 asset inventory and assessment (AIA) grant—funded by the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)—to McGill Associates.
County staff said work on the East End portion of the NEBO water project has begun and that phase 2 is close to wrapping up. Staff noted a contractor start delay earlier in the summer and said that some residents are now contacting the county to ask whether newly installed water lines will serve their neighborhoods. Staff said those requests can be evaluated for future extension funding but are likely beyond the current $11,000,000 funding envelope.
Staff also described coordination problems with roadway encroachment permits around Randolph Road (described as phase 3) and said an environmental review for the Exit 90 project is underway before bidding. Commissioners asked about the estimated cost to get water service to West Marion Elementary and to complete the entire loop; staff said reaching the school including engineering and a pumping station is roughly $5,000,000 (approximate) and that the pumping station would be a new expense in the $500,000‑$700,000 range. Staff agreed to provide a detailed cost differential by the next Monday meeting.
On the AIA grant, staff said the county received a $400,000 DEQ award and recommended McGill Associates as the most qualified engineering firm after an RFQ process. The DEQ coordinator had approved the proposal with a single change: the state will withhold 1.5% for administrative costs. Commissioners approved the McGill contract with that modification.
Ending: Staff will continue NEBO construction oversight and will return cost details about the West Marion Elementary connection and full loop estimates; McGill Associates will proceed under the DEQ‑funded AIA contract with the state administrative fee withheld per DEQ guidance.
