Hamilton seeks $430k ARPA reallocation for water main extension following project redesign

Hamilton seeks $430k ARPA reallocation for water main extension following project redesignThe city plans to use remaining funds from a $3 million American Rescue Plan Act grant to install 1,500 feet of 12-inch main, addressing fire suppression needs that emerged after material delays altered the scope of a local water tower project.

Hamilton is requesting an amendment to its ARPA subrecipient agreement to utilize $430,000 in unspent funds from a $3 million grant awarded in 2023.

The original project scope was altered from two large hydropneumatic tanks to five smaller tanks due to material availability and purchasing lead times.

The design change necessitates a new flow pattern, requiring the installation of 1,500 linear feet of 12-inch water main to maintain proper fire flow to McBride Court.

The Butler County Board of Commissioners also approved a five-year, $3,045-per-month contract with Lytx for water and sewer fleet GPS tracking.

The City of Hamilton, Ohio, is seeking an amendment to its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subrecipient agreement with Butler County to reallocate approximately $430,000 in unspent project funds toward a new water main extension. During the July 14, 2026, Butler County Board of Commissioners meeting, the County Administrator reported that the funds are left over from a $3 million ARPA grant issued to Hamilton in 2023. The original grant was earmarked for the city's Water Tower and Ancillary Booster Equipment System project. According to the administrator, the city was forced to change the scope of the original project due to supply chain challenges. Hamilton initially proposed installing two large hydropneumatic tanks but ultimately shifted to five smaller tanks to navigate material availability constraints and long lead times for tank purchases. This alteration necessitated a different water flow pattern in the vicinity to maintain adequate fire suppression capabilities. To correct the flow pattern and ensure proper fire flow to the McBride Court area—which falls within the original scoped area of the subrecipient agreement—the city must now install approximately 1,500 linear feet of 12-inch water main. The city has requested to use the remaining $430,000 from the 2023 ARPA allocation to cover this ancillary component. The board is expected to schedule the amendment for consideration at an upcoming meeting. In separate utility business, the board approved a joint purchasing contract with Lytx to provide GPS and asset tracking services for the county's water and sewer fleet. The contract, which runs from September 2026 through August 2031, will cost an amount not to exceed $3,045 per month.