The context
The BCRUA Water Treatment Plant is supplied with raw water from Lake Travis through a pumping barge and a 36-inch underwater pipeline. The treated water is then distributed to BCRUA-member cities, which include Cedar Park.
In the past three years, the pipeline has experienced three failures, and after careful engineering analysis, the BCRUA board decided to replace the pipe.
Back in May, BCRUA preordered the materials for the project to construct this winter and wrap up by the summer next year, which is when water demand is higher, Utility Engineering Manager Mike Huber said at the Aug. 24 meeting.
Thalle Construction Company will be conducting the construction on this project for $6.7 million, Cedar Park’s portion being $456,057.
Work on the underwater pipeline is scheduled to be completed by spring 2024, according to the city.
Items worth mentioning
Council also approved a $98 million financing agreement between the BCRUA and the Texas Water Development Board.
This agreement covers cost escalation related construction for the Phase 2 Deep Water Intake project, Assistant Director of Finance Erica Solis said.
Back in April, the BCRUA applied for TWDB’s State Water Implementation Fund for Texas, or the SWIFT program, which provides affordable state financial assistance for projects to help communities develop cost effective water supplies, Solis said.
The total SWIFT funding request is roughly $98 million, Solis said, and it will primarily be used for the Deep Water Intake project. Cedar Park’s share is $7.6 million.
TWBD approved the application in July. Solis said the due date for the executed financing agreement by the cities of Round Rock and Cedar Park and the BCRUA to TWBD is Sept. 7.
The funding is anticipated in November.
