Newton awards $34.9 million Phase 1 contract for wastewater treatment plant replacement
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Summary
Newton City Council unanimously approved a $34,937,060 construction contract for Phase 1 of the Wastewater Treatment Plant replacement and authorized related engineering contracts; staff said the full project cost is higher and that the city will pursue federal BRIC funding to cover remaining phases.
Newton City Council on March 11 approved awarding the Phase 1 construction contract for the citywastewater treatment plant (WWTP) replacement to PC Contractors for $34,937,060 and accepted engineering and construction-phase service agreements with Wooten Engineering.
Public Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told the council that earlier bid openings produced only single bids and that negotiations reduced the Phase 1 base bid to $34,937,060. Wentz said the original base bid had been submitted at $57,882,000 and that total project construction costs for all alternates were estimated at $70,500,000. "The base bid, which encompasses the construction of the influent pump station, bar screens, lime treatment and grit removal systems, a new aeration basin and generator, the septic receiving station, as well as general electrical work and generator replacement, was submitted at $57,882,000," Wentz said.
Wentz also outlined professional-services costs: Wooten's construction-phase proposal of $2,496,600 plus previously approved design-phase services put the current project cost presented to council at $38,919,349.50. Council subsequently approved the construction contract to PC Contractors and an engineering contract to Wooten Engineering as presented.
Mayor Jerry Hodge and council members emphasized staff will continue to pursue outside funding. Wentz said staff is working with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to seek a federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant, noting the project was recommended for further consideration after a Letter of Intent to Apply.
The approvals authorize staff to move forward with Phase 1 construction work expected to address the most critical equipment and facility upgrades. No change to the citypermit capacity to 7.5 MGD was included in the Phase 1 base bid; staff said increasing volumetric permit capacity would require additional work and funding.
The council voted unanimously to approve the construction and engineering contracts and related resolutions. The contract awards and professional-services agreements are on file in the office of the city clerk.