Kalamazoo approves engineering boost for $20.35M DWRF service line replacement program

Kalamazoo approves engineering boost for $20.35M DWRF service line replacement programFacing extended construction timelines on a major non-copper service line replacement and water main lining initiative, the Kalamazoo City Commission has authorized additional funding for construction engineering oversight.

Kalamazoo is utilizing $20.35 million in EGLE Drinking Water Revolving Fund (DWRF) grants and loans for two major distribution network contracts.

The initiative includes replacing or abandoning non-copper services at roughly 2,000 locations and lining 8,800 feet of water main in the Knollwood neighborhood.

The City Commission unanimously approved a $270,000 contract supplemental for Prein & Newhof on April 6 to cover heavier-than-anticipated construction oversight demands.

The City of Kalamazoo, Michigan, has approved a $270,000 contract supplemental for engineering services to support its ongoing 2024 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) infrastructure upgrades. The funding boost, awarded to engineering firm Prein & Newhof, was unanimously approved by the City Commission on April 6. The supplemental was requested after city officials determined that construction activities were consuming more time and oversight resources than originally projected. Kalamazoo previously secured $20.35 million in grant and loan funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) through the state's Drinking Water Revolving Fund. The financing package supports two primary construction efforts aimed at modernizing the city's distribution network. The first contract, the Edison Non-Copper Service Replacement Project, involves inspecting, replacing, or abandoning non-copper water services at approximately 2,000 locations. The second contract targets the Knollwood neighborhood, where crews are lining roughly 8,800 feet of existing water main. Prein & Newhof, which handled the initial design for both contracts, is providing construction engineering services. According to a staff report prepared by Assistant City Engineer for Water Resources Anna C. Crandall, the firm's past performance with the city has been highly satisfactory, prompting the recommendation for the change order to ensure continuous project management. The $270,000 change order will be financed entirely through the city's Water Capital Improvement fund. As the project progresses, the city plans a targeted community engagement strategy, utilizing letters and door hangers to notify customers in specific areas when it is time to schedule their service line inspections and replacements. The measure was passed without debate as part of the commission's consent agenda.