Lewiston awards $1.498 million East Orchard sewer contract to ML Albright & Sons

The Lewiston City Council voted to award a $1,498,383.20 contract for the East Orchard Sewer Expansion Phase 3 project during its April 28 meeting, advancing an initiative the city described as a partnership with the East Orchard Urban Renewal Agency and state environmental authorities.

Public Works Director Dustin Johnson told councilors the contract covers construction that extends sewer service through to Twentieth Street and the Grell, Powers and Birch areas. “This is the third phase of what we’ve called the East Orchard Sewer Project,” Johnson said, describing the work as a collaboration between the URA, the city and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality to provide sewer service for an area that lacks it.

Councilors said residents in the project area face failing septic systems. Council President Klayberg, who represents the URA on the council, said the URA has discussed the project and supported selecting two of three available alternates in the bid package. Letters of support from neighbors were included with bid materials, Johnson said.

Councilor Schroeder moved to award IFB‑25‑007 East Orchard Sewer Expansion Phase 3 to ML Albright and Sons Inc. for $1,498,383.20; Council President Klayberg seconded. The motion passed and the mayor was authorized to execute the contract.

Dustin Johnson said the city expects the work to address public health concerns related to failing septic systems and that funding and responsibilities reflect the partnership between the city, the URA and state programs that can support infrastructure work.

No amendments to the award were recorded at the meeting; councilors indicated support for the two bid alternates included in the award package.