Harahan pledges to cover local shortfalls for emergency sewer-plant overhaul

The Harahan City Council on Oct. 16 approved Resolution 2025-17, committing the city to cover design costs, construction costs and any change orders beyond state funding for FPMC project 50-MC1-21-01, an emergency sewer collection and treatment system overhaul.

Why it matters: Council members and staff described the rehabilitation as multi-phased and essential to the wastewater plant's operation. City staff said critical blower motors and their electrical systems must be replaced; those components were out to bid, with bid submissions described in the meeting as due Nov. 10. Council members noted the project carries a 25% local match requirement to state funding, and staff said the phased approach allows the city to spread its match over time.

What the council approved: The resolution was offered by Councilman Chatelaine and carried on a 5-0 recorded vote. The council did not adopt a binding budget ordinance at the meeting; the resolution commits the city to cover shortfalls if state funds leave gaps or change orders arise.

Details from staff: City staff described the plant as having very old blower equipment (described in the meeting as "50-plus years old") and said the new blowers will allow isolation of treatment chambers and improved operations. During discussion a project engineering figure was referenced in the meeting record; staff explained the engineering contract costs are fixed under the state program and that the project is being delivered in multiple phases to reduce upfront local cash requirements.

Next steps: Staff listed bid receipt and contractor selection for blower motors as near-term tasks and flagged follow-up reporting to council as bids and final match amounts are confirmed. Council members requested updates as bids are awarded and invoices are received.