Isla Blanca project sees small budget increases but faces electrical delays that could extend completion

County project staff updated the Commissioners Court on the Isla Blanca infrastructure project, saying the $11.6 million contract with Morewell LLC has had three change orders approved so far that add roughly 1.1% to the contract cost and 65 additional calendar days to the schedule.

“Change order number 2 and number 3 were approved today,” the project presenter told the court, then explained the additional days result from water‑line, sewer and electrical conflicts discovered in the field. The presenter said the county has authorized mitigation planning to try to open sections of the park earlier than the full project completion date.

County members pressed staff on the source of the delays. Staff said electrical work relies on third‑party utilities; AEP’s timeline ranges from five to nine months for portions of their scope, and some transformer/conduit approvals required a change in materials. Staff also disclosed recent encounters with asbestos‑lined pipe and previously unknown underground infrastructure that required extra coordination and change orders.

The court discussed revenue impacts for RV operations and concession areas if the site remains partially closed through summer. Staff said the contractor’s current completion date extends toward December under the approved change orders but emphasized a goal to finish by Oct. 1 if unknowns can be mitigated. The court approved the two change orders presented and directed staff to continue mitigation planning and to report back with more precise timelines and cost implications.