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PUC approves $15.3 million Cesar Chavez sewer rehabilitation contract amid debate over LID trade-offs
Summary
The commission approved a $15,327,769 contract to rehabilitate the Cesar Chavez sewer (W-410) to address chronic flooding and convey sewage; commissioners debated whether to defer full watershed LID measures upstream, and staff said Phase 1 must proceed to avoid continued flooding while Phase 2 will add LID components coordinated with DPW/MTA.
The Public Utility Commission approved the award of contract W-410 (Cesar Chavez Street sewer improvement) for $15,327,769 to the lowest qualified, responsible and responsive bidder to replace and rehabilitate sewer conveyance on Cesar Chavez, Harrison, Valencia, Fair and Coleridge streets.
Staff described the project as a two-phase approach: Phase 1 (approximately 500 construction days) will replace the large conveyance pipe under Cesar Chavez to address chronic flooding hazards and ensure reliable sewage conveyance; Phase 2 will add low-impact development (LID) surface components in partnership with the Department of Public Works and the Municipal Transportation Agency.
Project managers and operations staff told the commission the basin feeding Cesar Chavez drains about 1,400 acres and that upstream changes to reduce inflows would require a prolonged, costly watershed program. Staff said design and environmental review are complete (the project proceeded with a mitigated negative declaration through city planning) and that delaying the contract would risk continuing, known flooding impacts to residents and businesses and would complicate concurrent streetscape work by other agencies.
Public commenters urged stronger watershed-scale planning, creek daylighting and clearer hydrologic goals for LID components—concerns staff said were considered through CEQA and will be part of the urban watershed framework work. Commissioners acknowledged the tension between immediate flood relief and long-term watershed investments; after discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the contract by voice/roll call vote with commissioners voting in favor and one commissioner excused.
