Anderson weighs rebidding White River Interceptor Phase 2B after bids exceed $2.95M estimate

Anderson weighs rebidding White River Interceptor Phase 2B after bids exceed $2.95M estimateThe lowest of four bids for the wastewater interceptor project came in at $3.19 million, surpassing the engineer's projections and prompting city officials to take the submissions under advisement.

The board received four bids for the White River Interceptor Phase 2B, ranging from $3.19 million to $3.96 million.

Yarberry submitted the lowest base bid at $3,194,236, coming in above the $2.95 million engineer's estimate.

Three quotes were also taken under advisement for Phase 2A wetland mitigation, with Ecologic LLC submitting the lowest price at $86,030.

The Water Department approved a $4,776 pilot program with Hydroblast Restoration to rapidly strip and repaint 24 fire hydrants.

The Anderson Board of Public Works is weighing its procurement options for the White River Interceptor Phase 2B project after all four contractor bids exceeded the engineer's estimate of $2.95 million during its August 18 meeting. The board opted to take the submissions under advisement rather than awarding the contract immediately. A board member noted that the city "might rebid it" before moving forward with the wastewater collection project. Yarberry submitted the lowest base bid at $3,194,236. Other bidders included Morphy Construction at $3,480,000, Atlas Excavating at $3,501,395, and Beatty Construction at $3,966,054. In a related Water Pollution Control agenda item, the board also received and took under advisement three quotes for wetland mitigation tied to Phase 2A of the White River Interceptor. Ecologic LLC provided the lowest quote at $86,030, followed by Stantec at $104,993.24, and Heartland Restoration Services, Inc. at $125,670. Separately, the board approved a $4,776.99 professional services agreement with Hydroblast Restoration for a Water Department pilot program. The initiative will restore 24 existing fire hydrants at a cost of approximately $199 per unit. According to staff, the contractor utilizes an enclosed box system to strip the exterior of the hydrants and apply a rust-inhibiting prime coat and safety yellow enamel paint. The process takes approximately 20 minutes per hydrant and is being tested as a more comprehensive alternative to standard repainting.