Commissioners approve design for elevated storage tank and add third booster pump station and oversight to contract amendment

Rockingham County commissioners voted June 1 to proceed with design and engineering services for two water projects and approved an amendment to an existing engineering contract to add a third booster pump station and construction management/inspection oversight.

Public utilities director Caleb Tilly and Bill Lester of LKC Engineering told the board the elevated storage tank and the booster pump upgrades had previously been authorized in capital project ordinances, and that staff sought permission to proceed with final design and to amend the contract to include construction management, inspection and project-certification services.

Bill Lester described the elevated tank as needed to create a pressure zone serving parts of the Hogans Creek area near US 220 and NC 704, saying the new tank would supply pumping volume, improve static pressure and support anticipated development. He said final tank sizing would be determined during design and offered an early height estimate "probably in about a 160 to a 180 feet tall." Lester also described the amendment adding a third booster pump station and line-work improvements.

Commissioner Hall moved to approve both items (B1 and B2) together; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.

What was approved - Authorization to proceed with design of the elevated storage tank (final size and location to be determined in design). - Amendment to LKC Engineering design services for the US 220 booster pump station upgrades to add a third pump station, upgrades at Hogans Creek, miscellaneous line work and construction management/inspection oversight.

Next steps Staff will complete final design work and return with contract and construction documents for procurement and construction-phase services as required; engineers noted some details (final tank capacity and exact site) will be finalized in the design phase.