Butler County advances $40m rehab of 1942 Hamilton water transmission main

Butler County advances $40m rehab of 1942 Hamilton water transmission mainThe Board of Commissioners has authorized funding applications for the design and construction of a five-mile, 42-inch concrete water main that serves as a primary distribution artery for the county.

The board approved an application to the Ohio EPA's Water Supply Revolving Loan Account for $4 million in design and $36 million in construction funding.

The 42-inch concrete main, originally constructed in 1942, is at the end of its useful life and distributes the primary water source from the city of Hamilton to major county service areas.

Commissioners also approved a $460,000 contract with Majors Enterprise, Inc. for a 36-inch valve replacement at the Liberty Fairfield Pump Station.

A $175,520 contract was awarded to Sustainable Streams, LLC for sanitary sewer and manhole relocation design along Gregory Creek.

The Butler County Board of Commissioners on July 27 approved authorization to apply for an Ohio EPA Water Supply Revolving Loan Account agreement to fund the rehabilitation of approximately five miles of a critical 42-inch water main. The project is expected to cost $40 million, split between $4 million for design and $36 million for construction. The County Administrator described the rehabilitation as "one of the most prominent strategic improvement projects in Butler County." The concrete transmission main, originally constructed in 1942, distributes the primary water source from the city of Hamilton to major portions of the county's water service area. Officials noted the infrastructure is over 80 years old and has reached the end of its useful life. The resolution designates a dedicated repayment source for the state revolving loan. However, Commission President T.C. Rogers noted during the meeting that because the county does not carry general fund debt, he regards the financial arrangement primarily as a cash-flow mechanism. In addition to the transmission main project, the board approved two other water and wastewater capital contracts. Majors Enterprise, Inc. was awarded a contract not to exceed $460,000 for a 36-inch valve replacement at the Liberty Fairfield Pump Station, with work scheduled to run through October 2027. Furthermore, Sustainable Streams, LLC secured a $175,520 contract for field design surveys and the relocation design of sanitary sewers and manholes at four locations along Gregory Creek.