The Marietta Power, Light and Water Board on Nov. 10 awarded a construction contract to K. M. Davis Contracting Company, Inc. for $2,396,204.50 to replace approximately 8,700 linear feet of water main in the Kennesaw Avenue and St. Mary's Lane area as part of the FY2026 Water System Improvement Project.

Kim Holland, presenting the project, told the board the scope includes streets off Kennesaw Avenue including Shining Place, St. Mary's Lane, St. John's Court, St. Theresa's Court, St. Anne's and Oakton Terrace. The work will replace older materials, described in the packet as a mix of asbestos cement (AC) and cast-iron pipe, with 8-inch ductile iron mains in many locations and will install hydrants where they are missing. "This project will improve the water quality in this area as the existing mains are in poor condition," Holland said, and staff cited multiple main breaks and at least one boil-water notification in the area during recent years.

The project was bid on Oct. 20; staff reported receiving 12 bids and recommended the low bidder, K. M. Davis Contracting Company, Inc., at $2,396,204.50. Board members asked about schedule and staging; Holland said the contractor will likely start in January after the holidays and the project is expected to take about eight to nine months. The board approved the contract by motion and voice vote.

The board also approved an accompanying waterline easement package for the Chowning Place condo homeowners association required to replace mains located within the Commons and private roads in that development. Staff said the funds for the project are available in the project account and recommended approval of the easements; the board approved the easement documents by motion.

The awards and easement approvals carried on voice votes. Staff said funding is available in the project account and that procurement followed the invited-bid process; the contract award and easement approvals will allow staff to finalize schedules and mobilize construction in January.