Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Laurel panel reviews $2.4 million Woodland stormwater plan as West Railroad rebuild looms
Summary
The City of Laurel Public Works Committee heard a KLJ-backed plan to route West Railroad stormwater down Woodland Avenue and install new curb, gutter and utilities; an attached cost breakout lists roughly $2.44 million for Woodland work while West Railroad reconstruction was earlier estimated at $10–$11 million.
The City of Laurel Public Works Committee on Feb. 9 reviewed a KLJ proposal to move stormwater from West Railroad down Woodland Avenue to a new system at S. 4th, a change that would require new curb, gutter, water and sewer along Woodland and an engineer’s construction estimate of roughly $2.44 million for the Woodland work.
The proposal was presented as part of a short-term engineering contract the city has with KLJ; Public Works Director Matt Wheeler told the committee the city’s long-term contract with KLJ has ended and the short-term agreement will remain in place through April to support subdivision reviews and other engineering needs. Wheeler said handling the Woodland stormwater is a prerequisite to proceeding with West Railroad reconstruction. The committee previously discussed using LURA funds for a city share of larger reconstruction costs.
Why it matters: earlier estimates for rebuilding West Railroad ranged between $10 million and $11 million, with the city likely responsible for about half those costs. The Woodland work would clear a key stormwater constraint and allow West Railroad bids to proceed, staff said.
The cost figures appear in an attached KLJ breakout that combines storm, water and street schedules and applies contingency and engineering fees; the document lists an "overall construction cost" of about $2,443,338.30 for the Woodland package. The minutes attribute the line-item cost breakdown to KLJ’s attachment rather than a committee vote.
Committee members and staff discussed funding options and next steps. Matt Wheeler said the city will likely go out to bid for the West Railroad project in the near future. Committee members noted earlier discussions about using LURA funds to cover part of the city’s share.
On funding help, two engineering consultants who attended the meeting and introduced themselves, David Carlson and Steve Carter of AE2S, said their firm has experience pursuing grants and other funding. "We do have experience in securing funding," David Carlson told the committee.
Votes at a glance: the committee unanimously approved routine items earlier in the meeting — the Dec. 15, 2025 minutes, and nominations for Chair and Vice Chair (see meeting minutes). No formal action was taken on the Woodland or West Railroad projects at this meeting; discussion centered on cost estimates, funding options and next steps.
What’s next: staff said the city will continue coordination with state partners and finalize plans and funding strategies before soliciting bids for West Railroad reconstruction.
