Town staff outlines timeline for 2.1-mile sewer collection project, aims to encumber ARPA funds by Dec. 31

Chincoteague — Town staff told the council on Oct. 7 that construction documents are complete for a planned 2.1-mile sewer collection system and that the town will begin the procurement process this fall.

Mister Talbert (staff) said a pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Oct. 10 at the town office and that bids are due Nov. 12; staff intends to recommend a contractor after bid opening. He said the timetable aims to encumber American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds by Dec. 31 so the project can proceed without losing allocated federal dollars.

Why it matters: staff emphasized that once the project is bid and costs are known, the town can determine connection and maintenance fee estimates for businesses along Main Street and Maddox Boulevard. "Once the project's bid and we know what it costs, then we'll be able to go and work in earnest towards finding out what the cost of connection and maintenance costs will be for each business that wants to connect," Mister Talbert said.

Staff also reported related planning and capital activities: work with VDOT on a sidewalk design (including challenges where the road crosses wetlands), availability of a capital grant opportunity for a new trolley through DRPT next year, and that the town previously allocated cigarette-tax revenues to EMS salaries.

Next steps: staff will proceed with the pre-bid and bidding schedule, notify a list of pre-qualified contractors and bring a recommendation to council after bid opening. Council members may receive follow-up information on expected customer connection fees once bids are evaluated.

Provenance: Staff’s report and timeline were presented during the general government staff report on Oct. 7.