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McDowell board unanimously accepts low bid from DDI for West McDowell drainage grant project
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Summary
The McDowell County Schools board voted unanimously to accept the low bid from DDI of Hickory to build drainage and flood-mitigation work at West McDowell Middle School and McDowell High School, a project funded through a state grant. The board discussed alternates, contingency use and site layout before the vote.
The McDowell County Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Monday to accept the low bid from DDI of Hickory to carry out drainage and erosion-control work tied to a state grant at West McDowell Middle School and McDowell High School.
Patrick McMurray, representing Holland & Hammock, told the board that bids opened last week and the low bidder was DDI of Hickory. At the formal tabulation he reported: “DDI of Hickory had a base bid of $3,120,000,” with other bids recorded for the minutes as part of the formal record. McMurray said the contract includes alternates to raise lower playing fields out of the flood plain and address drainage up to the ninth-grade academy.
Board members asked about the three add alternates that could expand work in the lower area and discussed moving a softball field and retaining pickleball courts. Chad Marsh, facilities director, described site constraints and topography and said contingency funds will cover some add-ons if needed. Marsh told the board the district is working with the low bidder and the architect to sequence work and keep changes within the grant’s intent.
After questions and brief discussion, board member Mr. Suttles moved to accept the low bid; Mr. Allison seconded. The motion carried by unanimous voice vote.
What happened next: the board directed building-and-grounds staff to schedule a committee meeting before the February board meeting to review potential add-ons and contingency use. The architect and construction team will provide a project calendar and continue briefing the board as work proceeds.
Why it matters: the project is intended to reduce flooding that has affected athletic fields and nearby facilities and to improve site drainage across multiple school properties. Funding comes from a grant the superintendent and finance staff have been coordinating, and accepting a low responsive bid is the next step toward construction.
Next steps: architects will finalize the tabulation for the official record, the owner will execute the contract with DDI, and the building-and-grounds committee will meet to review add-on scope and scheduling.
