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Public Works Committee reviews KLJ updates on water-tank funding, Love’s Travel Station and Cherry Hills expansion
Summary
The City of Laurel Public Works Committee reviewed a KLJ project status update Nov. 17 outlining a recoated water tank that will serve while funding is pursued, an EDA denial of a prior grant application, ongoing Love’s Travel Station utility work and activity on Cherry Hills 4th Filing.
The City of Laurel Public Works Committee on Nov. 17 reviewed a multi-page status update from engineering consultant KLJ covering water-system projects, development filings and funding efforts.
KLJ’s update said the existing municipal water tank was inspected and “is looking good for a period of time,” while work proceeds to identify funding for a recoating and upper-pressure-zone improvements. The report documents an earlier submission to the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) on July 11, 2024, and notes the EDA later denied that funding request on Jan. 7, 2025. KLJ said it has pursued other options, including a BRIC grant submission and a request for congressional directed spending filed March 26, 2025; a public-disclosure form was forwarded to Senator Sheehy’s office May 5, 2025. The report also states the City had spent $16,917.76 of a $56,000 budget set aside for funding-application work as of January 2025.
The KLJ update also described local development activity. Love’s Travel Station is under construction and “is coming along,” the report said, and the applicant has discussed adding an RV park that will require evaluation of utilities and potential extensions. Cherry Hills 4th Filing has submitted materials and is under review; KLJ flagged that, as lots fill, discussion on whether a bridge is needed to connect into Maryland (street) will be anticipated.
Separately, the KLJ package summarized recent planning services from KU (Laurel Planning Services) and noted KU’s master services agreement with the City is scheduled to end Dec. 5, 2025. The consultant materials included a timeline of prior submittals, approvals and outstanding review comments.
Why it matters: the city’s water storage and pressure-zone work are prerequisites for planned tank recoating, and funding shortfalls have pushed staff and consultants to pursue multiple grant and congressional-request avenues. Utilities extensions tied to private development (Love’s Travel Station, Cherry Hills) could affect local system capacity and timing for improvements.
The committee recorded the report for its files. No formal action on the projects or funding strategies was taken at the Nov. 17 meeting; related items will return as needed in future agendas.
