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Jackson County amends sewer grant, approves bidding Phase 3A and orders contractor updates amid delays
Summary
Commissioners approved a $15.76 million amendment to the Northwest Florida Water Management District grant for the Blue Springs sewer project, amended the county's engineering agreement to add CEI work, authorized bidding of Phase 3A, and attached conditions requiring the current contractor to appear at future meetings while county staff explore liquidated damages for delays.
Jackson County commissioners voted to amend a grant agreement, adjust the county's engineering contract and authorize advertising for bids on Phase 3A of the Blue Springs sewer project after a lengthy discussion about contractor performance and infiltration issues.
Staff (S5) presented a three-part request: (1) approve an amended grant agreement with the Northwest Florida Water Management District that increases project funding to $15,758,035.47; (2) amend the engineering agreement with Alday Howell to add construction engineering and inspection (CEI) funding; and (3) authorize bidding of Phase 3A so the county can continue extending sewer service to Blue Springs recreational facilities.
Engineers (S9) and commissioners spent considerable time debating persistent infiltration problems in Phase 1, safety and traffic impacts, and whether bidding the next phase while Phase 1 remains incomplete would be wise. The engineer said the infiltration likely stems from uncapped lateral connections and said staff would not place lines in service until infiltration is resolved.
Several commissioners said the county should have the option to remove work from the incumbent contractor (L & K Construction) and reassign it if the contractor does not perform. County staff recommended bidding Phase 3A to enable that reallocation and to avoid further schedule slipping.
The board amended the motion to require: periodic appearances by the incumbent contractor to report progress to the commission; staff review and, if warranted, pursuit of liquidated damages; and authorization to advertise for Phase 3A. The motion passed by voice vote.
The commission emphasized traffic-safety concerns along Blue Springs Road, noting narrow shoulders, the need for lane closures during construction and the risk to motorists if work proceeds without proper sequencing. Staff said they would try to minimize concurrent lane closures and seek options to speed completion while protecting residents and motorists.
What happens next: staff will amend the engineering agreement, advertise Phase 3A for bids, require the incumbent contractor to appear at future meetings and return to the commission with options for liquidated-damages pursuit if warranted.
