By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
The economic downturn apparently has helped the Town Creek sewer project along Interstate 85 to come in just under costs estimated in 2006.
That’s good news for city of Salisbury and Rowan County officials, who are partners in the $6.5 million project to extend sewer along four I-85 exits south of Salisbury.
Three years passed between the original budget estimate and bids, which came in this March.
“Because of the length of time … we bid the project with numerous alternates that would allow us the flexibility to award the various contracts in ways to construct as much of the project as possible,” Salisbury-Rowan Utilities Director Jim Behmer said in a memo.
He added that the city will be able to award the contract “in a manner that will construct the entire project.”
The three contracts expected to be awarded ó all to BRS Inc. of Richfield ó will have costs of $2,040,335; $1,219,942; and $1,911,726.
The three different elements of the work include 32,150 linear feet of gravity sewer interceptor, three bores under I-85 (4,450 linear feet) and 3,130 linear feet of forcemain connecting to China Grove’s Pine Ridge lift station.
BRS Inc. was the low bidder on all three contracts.
Other bidders were R.H. Price Inc., Davis Grading, State Utility Contractors, Hickory Sand, Yates Construction, D.H. Griffin Infrastructure and Buckeye Construction.
The total project budget as of March 2009 is now $5,172,005 for construction, $450,000 for contingencies, $275,000 for engineering design, $225,300 for construction administration, $10,000 for reimbursable expenses, $35,000 for environmental assessment, $165,000 for right-of-way acquisition and $125,000 for right-of-way survey and mapping.
The total is $6,457,305, which is just short of the $6,500,740 estimate in May 2006.
Salisbury City Council will consider a capital project ordinance amendment Tuesday for $5.5 million in connection with the project.
Council meets at 4 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 217 S. Main St.
In other agenda items Tuesday, council will:
– Consider an incentive grant for Henkel Corp.’s proposed $23 million expansion of its operation off Cedar Springs Road. The project proposes adding about 100 jobs at the former National Starch and Chemical plant.
– Consider Salisbury Transit’s application to the N.C. Department of Transportation for federal stimulus money.
The transit system is seeking capital funds of more than $3.9 million to pay for things such as a hybrid bus, automatic vehicle location system, preventative maintenance for buses, a water-oil separator, shelters, a garage, automatic bus washer and fuel tank.
– Consider an interlocal agreement with the Cape Fear Public Transportation Authority to help in the future procurement of buses, equipment and parts.
– Consider a revised site plan for the Grand on Julian apartments.
– Receive an update from Lou Manning on the Internal Revenue Services’ volunteer assistance site during the recent tax season at the Park Avenue Community Center.
– Consider an agreement to consolidate city and county animal control services.
– Consider a petition to reduce the speed limit on North Milford Drive to 25 mph.
– Consider changing the Land Development Ordinance in relation to sidewalks along infill lots.
– Receive an update on the Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Outdoor Adventure Camp.
– Consider a resolution supporting replacement of the I-85 bridge over the Yadkin River.
– Recognize Master Police Officer Mike McCart, who is retiring.
– Recognize the Public Art Committee for its Salisbury Sculpture Show, “Discover What’s Outside.”
– Proclaim May 3-9 as Municipal Clerks Week; May 7 as National Day of Prayer; May 10-16 as National Police Week, May 12 as Peace Officers Memorial Day; May 16 as Let’s Get Connected Day; and May as Historic Preservation Month.
Council meetings are streamed live at www.salisburync.gov/council/webcast.html, and televised later on Time Warner Cable’s Access 16 television channel.