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Ennis applies for TWDB funds to inventory water service lines, seeks $3M+ for phase 1
Summary
City staff told the commission Aug. 6 they will apply to the Texas Water Development Board for just over $3 million to conduct a service-line inventory to identify potential lead components, with an Oct. 16 initial deadline and likely need for physical inspections.
Ennis, Texas
City staff told the Ennis City Commission on Aug. 6 that they will apply to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) for funding to perform a phase-one inventory of water service lines to identify lead-containing materials and other unknown service-line components.
The application is for just over $3,000,000 to cover the inventory work. Staff said the initial TWDB inventory deadline is Oct. 16 and that meeting that deadline may require arranging some procurements or paying some up-front costs before those expenses become eligible for reimbursement under TWDB procurement rules.
Why it matters: The inventory is tied to EPA requirements for identifying lead service lines and components; finding and replacing lines that contain lead can be costly and will require later project planning and potential replacements subject to eligibility rules.
What staff said
Staff explained the inventory will start with a review of existing records and permits, then move to physical inspection where records are incomplete. The second phase will likely require hydro-excavation or other methods to expose service lines and confirm their materials. Some necessary short-term services may be ineligible for TWDB reimbursement depending on procurement timing, which means the city could initially pay some costs out of pocket.
Commission action
Commissioner Jones moved to approve the application and Commissioner Watson seconded; the commission approved the resolution by voice vote.
Next steps
Staff will prepare and submit the TWDB application, begin assembling records and (if needed) solicit procurement proposals for the inventory work while tracking eligibility for reimbursement. The commission will be provided a list of one-time request items as part of the upcoming budget hearing.
Ending
The commission approved the application to pursue TWDB funding for the service-line inventory and directed staff to proceed under applicable procurement rules.
