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Redevelopment commission awards $1.253M contract for I‑69 water‑main extension to local contractor
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Summary
After engineers compared bids to a $1.6M estimate, the commission approved DL Brown Construction & Excavation’s base bid of $1,253,776 for a water‑main extension across I‑69 and declined the larger-bore alternate recommended by staff because of technical risks under the highway.
The Anderson Redevelopment Commission voted March 10 to award a contract for the I‑69 water‑main extension to DL Brown Construction & Excavation for $1,253,776.
Todd Webster, the project’s professional engineer, told the commission the engineer’s estimate for the base project was approximately $1,600,000 but that DL Brown’s base bid of about $1,253,776 (without the alternate) was the low, responsive bid after staff confirmed clerical unit‑price errors in other submissions. "The engineer's estimate was approximately 1,600,000.0... the apparent low bidder on this list is BL Brown," Webster said during his presentation, and he recommended awarding the base contract without the higher-risk alternate.
Engineers and commissioners discussed the proposed larger-bore alternate, which would have required a roughly 5‑foot diameter bore under the highway; staff warned that a larger bore increases the risk of soil collapse and drilling-fluid issues near the roadway and recommended staying with the 16‑inch design because it meets projected hydraulic needs. Commissioners emphasized due diligence on local references; staff reported the winning bidder is local and has done comparable 16‑inch main work nearby.
A motion to approve DL Brown’s base bid of $1,253,776 was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The contract award will proceed to final paperwork and scheduling; staff estimated construction could begin in roughly five months and take about four to six months to complete once the contractor mobilizes.
