Spokane approves $2.2 million in Water Department facility and dam upgrades

Spokane approves $2.2 million in Water Department facility and dam upgradesThe Spokane City Council has greenlit a series of contracts to support modernization at the city's Water Department Main Campus and the Upriver Dam, including a nearly $1 million investment in battery energy storage.

The council approved a $978,000 purchase from Platt Electric Supply for a battery energy storage system to support future EV charging at the Water Department Main Campus.

Spilker Contracting LLC was awarded a $912,300 contract for interior renovations at the Upriver Dam office building.

Black and Veatch Corporation secured a $300,000 agreement for on-call mechanical and structural engineering support at the Upriver Dam.

A $50,000 contract amendment was approved for legal services related to the Upriver Dam's FERC relicensing.

During its August 26, 2026, legislative session, the Spokane City Council unanimously approved a block of contracts initiating multiple capital and operational improvements for the city's Water Department. The most significant equipment purchase is a $978,000 agreement with Platt Electric Supply. The contract covers a battery energy storage system (BESS), switching equipment, and software designed to support a future EV charging canopy system at the Water Department Main Campus. The council also advanced several contracts focused on the Upriver Dam. Spilker Contracting LLC was awarded a $912,300 public works agreement to complete interior renovations at the dam's office building between September 2026 and August 2027. The council authorized an additional 10% administrative reserve of $91,230 for the project. To support ongoing facility operations, Black & Veatch Corporation was awarded a $300,000 contract to provide on-call mechanical and structural engineering services at the Upriver Dam. The agreement runs through June 30, 2028, with an option for a one-year extension. Additionally, the city approved a $50,000 contract amendment with outside counsel Van Ness Feldman LLP for legal services related to the dam's Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing process, bringing the firm's total contract to $100,000. The items were approved without discussion as part of the council's consolidated contracts and claims agenda.