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WPCA updates: Kila Brook pump station redesign, Beacon Street sewer replacement and multiple engineering projects
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Summary
The WPCA reported ongoing work on the Kila Brook pump station (temporary bypass, redesign task order issued), Beacon Street sanitary sewer replacement (24-inch PVC, trench paving in winter), Port Point sewer-shed mapping and other engineering project milestones; FEMA/EDA funding for Kila Brook remains uncertain.
WPCA staff updated the board on several construction and engineering projects on Jan. 20, highlighting design progress, active work and outstanding funding questions for a major pump station replacement.
On Kila (Killebrew) Brook pump station, staff said the plant is operating on a temporary bypass system daily and that the city continues to work on insurance and FEMA claims for storm damage sustained in August 2024. Ralph Kolb said previously approved capital funding of roughly $4.5 million is available and the federal grant estimate submitted listed an all‑in cost of about $12.5 million (not including land acquisition already completed). A task order to Wright‑Pierce for redesign and bidding services was issued; staff noted the agenda backup contained an incorrect task order value that will be corrected in the minutes distribution.
For Beacon Street, staff presented photos and a site overview of an ongoing sanitary sewer replacement: installing a 24‑inch PVC main, excavation depths around 12–15 feet, bypass pumps to maintain flows during service transfers, daily trench paving to continue winter work, replacement of five residential laterals, and installation of 15 new manholes. The project is in early construction with production expected to increase after winter.
The Port Point sewer-shed rehabilitation effort continues with CCTV cleaning, updated mapping, and consultant scope development to identify priority repairs feeding Port 0.1 station.
Board members asked whether FEMA or EDA reimbursements would reduce projected capital costs; staff replied reimbursements are possible but outcomes are unknown and the financial model does not count speculative grant receipts until confirmed. Staff said EDA reviews can take six months to a year.
These project updates were informational; no construction contract awards or additional funding votes were taken at the meeting. Follow-up items include distribution of the corrected task order backup and continued work with FEMA and consultants on design and funding.
