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Ashland commissioners approve $99.8 million contract for wastewater treatment plant expansion
Summary
The City of Ashland approved a contract with Judy Construction Company for the Ashland Water Resource Recovery Facility expansion, a project city officials called a "generational investment." City staff said groundbreaking is likely in November and a coordinated ceremony is being planned.
The Ashland Board of City Commissioners voted on Oct. 9 to approve a contract with Judy Construction Company for the Ashland Water Resource Recovery Facility Expansion and Improvement Project in the amount of $99,782,000.
City officials described the project as a long-term investment in the city's utilities infrastructure. "This is a generational investment in our city," said Mayor Chuck D. Charles, noting the plant is intended to serve the community for decades.
The contract was presented as a first-reading and approval item during the meeting. When asked when work would begin, Mr. Hall, a city staff member, said, "As far as, sometime in November, more than likely," and added that the city is trying to coordinate a ceremonial groundbreaking with Representative Rogers and the governor's office. Commissioners praised staff and consultants for the work that led to the contract award; Mayor Charles specifically thanked the project team and outside consultant Strand for their roles.
The commission moved and approved the contract by voice vote; the roll-call tally was not specified in the transcript.
The expansion also prompted a related agenda item: the board approved an amended access agreement with Cleveland-Cliffs Steel Corporation allowing use of Cleveland-Cliffs property for staging construction trailers and materials for the expansion.
Why it matters: City officials said the plant expansion will serve Ashland for decades and address capacity and treatment needs. The contract is the largest single construction contract the city has approved in recent memory and will affect the Department of Utilities' capital program and scheduling for related work.
Other details recorded at the meeting: staff estimated groundbreaking in November and said the city is coordinating dignitaries for a ceremony; the city will use nearby privately owned land (Cleveland-Cliffs) for staging under the approved access agreement. The motion language as stated on the agenda authorized the mayor to execute the contract with Judy Construction Company for the project in the stated amount.
Ending: The contract award completes the City's procurement step for the expansion; staff and contractors will move into preconstruction and mobilization in the weeks ahead, with a ceremonial groundbreaking planned while final scheduling is coordinated.
