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La Plata approves SHA water-line MOU, signals support for corridor lighting
Summary
Council adopted a memorandum of understanding with the Maryland State Highway Administration to coordinate replacement of ~4,490 feet of water main along MD-6 and voiced support for full-corridor decorative pedestrian lighting (Option A), while acknowledging an estimated town share in the low six-figures to mid seven-figures and multi-year cost timing.
The Town Council on May 12 adopted a resolution authorizing the town manager to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryland State Highway Administration to coordinate replacement of the town’s aging water line along Maryland Route 6 (Charles St.) from US 301 to Willow Lane.
Town Manager Chuck Stevens told the council the replacement would involve roughly 4,490 linear feet of new PVC water main; the town would design the "betterments" and reimburse SHA for actual construction costs invoiced within 30 days. Staff provided a planning estimate of $4,076,702 for the town’s reimbursable construction, utility relocation and SHA construction engineering services. SHA will advance the roadway streetscape contract under its procurement and advertise and administer the construction contract, while the town will own and maintain the water line upon completion.
Council also discussed an SHA-offered opportunity to add decorative pedestrian lighting as part of the same streetscape contract. Staff presented three options: Option A would outfit the full corridor from US-301 to Willow (77 poles; town share est. $670,794); Option B (Calvert St to Willow, 55 poles; est. $533,364); Option C (Calvert to Garrett, 43 poles; est. $413,143). Estimates include a planning contingency of 15 percent.
Several council members favored Option A for visual continuity and pedestrian-safety benefits; staff noted the work could be programmed across the multi-year SHA construction schedule rather than funded in a single year. Stevens said certain SHA-provided items (conduit/trenching/boring) and some electrical infrastructure would be shared costs while pole and luminaire costs would be the town’s responsibility. If council directs staff to proceed, SHA can include the town’s preferred scope in the design and bidding documents.
Council voiced support for moving the MOU forward and for Option A lighting in principle; staff will incorporate the direction into design agreements and the town’s capital planning process.
