Esquivel said the proposed budget addresses immediate capital needs that were identified in water and wastewater master plans for the city. The FM 2920 lift station, which transports wastewater from a lower to a higher point when there is not enough gravity or elevation to do it on its own, will cost $10 million. This is being done because of the large sewer demand on that side of the city, according to the city.
Also, Assistant City Manager Jessica Rogers said the city is seeking to work with Harris County Precinct 4 to acquire utility easements along Telge Road as Precinct 4 is widening Telge Road from north of Grand Parkway to FM 2920. Esquivel said to take advantage of what the county is doing will cost $750,000.
In addition, Esquivel said the Pine Street and Grand Parkway elevated storage water tanks need to be upgraded, which will cost $850,000 in the upcoming fiscal year.
The budget also addresses the water supply, according to the city, so it factors in phase one of a new water plant in the east, which includes the design and easement acquisition. Phase one will cost $5 million. With the anticipated growth, the city will also design the new wastewater treatment plant in the south, which Rogers said the estimated cost of design is $6 million and the construction cost exceeds $50 million. Part of the design and preliminary permitting costs will be funded by the FY 2022-23 budget.
To further upgrade water infrastructure, Esquivel said there will be upgrades to the South Persimmon water line. Rogers said this includes upgrading and replacing 2,750 linear feet of six-inch main line with a 12-inch main line and will cost $600,000 in the budget. Water and wastewater lines will be extended onto Rudolph Road as there are no water or sanitary sewer lines serving an area of Rudolph Road, according to Rogers. The cost for this extension is $775,000.
There will be another budget workshop Aug. 1 at City Hall, located at 401 Market St.
