Harwich awards $6.42 million Route 28 water-main contract, plans abutter outreach and public meeting

The Harwich Board of Water and Wastewater Commissioners voted to award the Route 28 water-main replacement contract to Dig It Construction, approving the low responsive bid of $6,418,781.85.

Staff presented the bid opening and explained two bids were deemed nonresponsive because the firms failed to attend the mandatory pre-bid conference. "The lowest bid was Dig It," a staff member said while reviewing the packet. Commissioners discussed the procurement rules and the staff recommendation; the board approved the award on a roll-call vote.

The meeting also focused on outreach plans for residents and businesses who will be affected during the multi-year construction. Staff recommended a targeted approach: a specific letter to abutters, a different notice for businesses along Route 28, postings on the town website and a public information meeting scheduled for Aug. 20. A commissioner noted timing constraints for mailings and urged staff to finalize letters for mailing by early August so residents receive materials before the Aug. 20 meeting.

Several commissioners pressed the consultant (GHD) for clearer contact and asked the firm to send its project manager and team to a subsequent meeting so the public can meet the staff overseeing design and public outreach. Staff said there will be a preconstruction meeting that commissioners are welcome to attend and that the contractor will prepare a public outreach and traffic/interruptions plan in coordination with police and fire.

Next steps: staff will draft abutter and business letters, circulate the text to commissioners for review, and arrange for the contractor and GHD to present a preconstruction and outreach plan at the commission's next meeting. The awarded contract and outreach schedule are now public.