Oak Ridge North Oak Ridge North city staff and engineers met in January with contractors to discuss the installation of groundwater storage tanks for the city's water supply.
City Engineer Ed Shackelford said 14 contractors and three subcontractors attended the meeting, but many had not reviewed information on the project and requested additional time before making bids. Bids were initially to be voted on by the City Council Jan. 28, but Shackelford said the delay could provide the engineers time to offer lower bids.
The base bid includes the installation of 32-foot tall tanks, while alternate bids will be received for 24-foot tanks and several other possible additions to the project, City Manager Vicky Rudy said. About $3.1 million has been budgeted in 2013 for the project, which will replace the current 40-year-old storage tanks, Rudy said.
"It's essential to have water, and water's essential for life," she said.
