Perry council begins planning phase for multi‑million dollar water projects funded by two grants

An unidentified presenter told the City of Perry council on Feb. 10 that the city must approve planning documents to move forward on two grant‑funded water projects, one for $19,000,000 and one for $34,000,000, and described a tight timeline for moving from planning to engineering to construction.

The council heard that the task order before it would fund planning work required as the first step of both grants. "These planning documents are required as the first step for the 2 grants the city has, 1 for 19,000,000, 1 for 34,000,000," the presenter said, adding that once planning is approved the documents go to DDP for authorization to begin engineering work.

Why it matters: approving planning documents is the procedural gateway to engineering and construction for large infrastructure grants. Council members were told project prioritization will be necessary because the city did not receive the full funding needed to complete all tasks at once. The presenter warned that timing is moving and that the city must sequence work so projects can meet grant schedules.

Council discussion focused on implementation sequencing and financing. The unidentified presenter said the city will return with prioritized planning documents for council approval and that engineering authorization follows DDP review. No final construction contract or bid award was recorded at the meeting.

Next steps: staff said planning documents will be prioritized and brought back for council approval and that engineering and construction steps will follow after DDP authorization. The council also noted related grant amendment items on the agenda that will be considered in subsequent meetings.