The Plymouth City Council members opened a public hearing during their last meeting to discuss the water utility improvement project.
Grant writer Shannon McLeod from Priority Project Resources explained the intent of the project for which a grant application will be submitted to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
McLeod said the city is planning to rehabilitate the existing water tower on Pidco Drive, a one million gallon elevated storage tank that was built in 1977. It will undergo an interior and exterior cleaning with an abrasive scrub, along with new interior and exterior paint and coatings. The tank has rusted in spots so that will be addressed along with other minor updates.
Additionally, water distribution updates will be done on East Jefferson Street with bigger water mains and fire hydrants which will better assist with fire suppression efforts.
Around Plum, Gilmore and Douglas Streets, some dead water lines installed in the 1940s need to be removed as the water does not continuously flow. There is a portion line in the Yellow River bed that is exposed which could cause a major contamination if it is broken. That portion of the line will be completely abandoned and new lines will be installed in that area which will loop and avoid the Yellow River bed.
McLoed said the total project cost is estimated at $2,492,270 which includes a grant application in the amount of $700,000 to the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, and the city will match $1,792,270 which will come from the city’s Water Depreciation Fund. The grant application was submitted Friday, December 22 and the grant announcement will be made in early February. McLeod noted that the grant process is highly competitive.
Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson said the project is anticipated to take one construction season and the water tower portion will be done when a contractor can fit it into the schedule. There will be no interruptions in water service.
If the city is awarded the grant, bids could be opened in March.
