Fayette County approves $1.62 million intake rehabilitation contract and reverse-osmosis lease for Rattlesnake water system

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 3 approved a $1,622,904 contract with Allied Technical Services, Inc. for Contract C-1, the underwater intake rehabilitation portion of the Rattlesnake Water System Improvements.

The contract was authorized by motion of Commissioner James D. Garland and seconded by Commissioner Donald L. Fleak; roll call was unanimous. The original contract is on file with the county.

The board also authorized a lease agreement with WesTech Engineering LLC to remove and replace the existing reverse-osmosis trailer, provide on-site technical services and perform a one-time membrane loading to maintain operation of Rattlesnake Water Systems Phase 1. The county recorded an estimated one-time services cost of $69,715 and a trailer rental of $37,950 per month with a three-month minimum rental commitment; the full lease agreement is on file.

County officials characterized the actions as part of the county's broader effort to stabilize and rehabilitate the Rattlesnake system's treatment and intake infrastructure. Both the contract award and the lease authorization were approved by unanimous vote.

The county's minutes state the contract is for the specific underwater intake rehabilitation scope (Contract C-1). The minutes also note the lease is intended to maintain operation while repairs and improvements proceed; further technical and invoicing details are recorded in the respective contracts on file with the county auditor.

Next steps: the contracts and lease documents will be executed and managed by the county engineer and relevant departments; the minutes do not specify a start date for construction or an implementation timetable.