Thursday, January 06, 2005
Public Utilities Gives Update On Various Projects
The Garrett County Department of Public Utilities staff this week updated the county commissioners on numerous public water and sewer projects.
The staff reported that they recently purchased computer software which allows them to better monitor the status of those projects. Each project was broken down according to the required tasks and time needed to complete them, such as developing a request for proposals, bids for design, obtaining easements, and construction. A clear, easy-to-read chart showing the timeline for each project was then developed.
The staff, county officials, and contractors can now more easily determine when and what deadlines need to be met, what milestones have already been reached, and when a project is estimated to be complete. A master schedule was also created that compares the timelines of all the projects.
“It’s a very useful format to use,” said Commissioner Ernie Gregg as he looked through the various charts. “It’s a nice tool.”
Engineer Jim Thomas, who worked with the software, stressed that the charts were only guidelines, but they were still useful to have, especially when dealing with contractors.
Engineer Jeff Gilbert also reported that his department is trying to get funding for the Deep Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion project through USDA Rural Development and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Public Utilities director Mark Tonkovich noted that his department has scheduled a brief presentation on the project during the Mountain Maryland PACE Reception in Annapolis, slated for Jan. 27 and 28. He and his staff will try to persuade Rural Development and the MDE to help fund the expansion.
“The PACE Reception is the ideal time to work on these folks,” said Commissioner Fred Holliday about seeking the funding.
Tonkovich noted that the funds would help save taxpayers millions of dollars. The expansion project is expected to be completed in late spring 2006.
Beitzel Corporation was the only bidder for the project at $11,998,362, which was within $10,000 of the engineering estimate made by Whitman Requardt & Associates. Gilbert noted that the firm recommended awarding the bid to Beitzel and has sent a revised cost breakdown to the USDA for review. He added that a pre-application has already been sent to the MDE for possible funding.
Gilbert’s report also including the following:
*Bids were received and a contract awarded to Casselberry Associates to find groundwater sources and provide hydrological service for several systems, including those in McHenry, Mtn. Lake Park, Keyser’s Ridge, and Crellin.
*The scope of work for providing public water and sewer service to the Garrett County Airport has been written. The pre-proposal meeting for engineering and design work is scheduled for Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. The bids are due back on Jan. 25 at 2 p.m.
*The Holy Cross developer is working on right-of-way negotiations for the force main line to the site.
*Phase II of the Keyser’s Ridge water project is completed, except for an 8-inch water line from the storage buildings to the scenic overlook along Rt. 219. Work will continue on the line through the winter, as weather permits.
*The scope of work to perform interim upgrades to the BFS wastewater treatment plant has been revised and the cost estimate reduced by $50,000. This system will serve the area until the Keyser’s Ridge Wastewater Treatment Plant is constructed.
*Bids are due in late winter and construction will begin this spring for the Western Collection and Conveyance System at Deep Creek Lake. The Garrett County General Services Department has been working to obtain rights of way for the system in three areas: Marsh Hill to Shingle Camp, Shingle Camp to Sandy Beach, and Stockslager to Mayhew Inn Road.
*Design will begin this winter and construction is expected to begin in the spring for the Trout Run and Friendsville I/I projects.
*A chain-link fence has been installed around the water treatment plant at Landon’s Dam to keep animals from wandering onto the property.