Title
Vote on a request to approve Resolution for the MRF Grant related to the Western Intake Partners New Regional Water Treatment Plant for up to $400,000.
Abstract
Action Requested: Vote on a request to approve Resolution for the MRF Grant related to the Western Intake Partners New Regional Water Treatment Plant for up to $400,000.
Introduction & Background: The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Division of Water Infrastructure (NCDWI) is Administering American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds. For Merger/Regionalization Feasibility (MRF) studies there is $77.6 million in grant funds available. The Western Intake Partnership (WIP) made up of Chatham County, the City of Durham, the Town of Pittsboro and Orange County Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) are partners in the proposed new regional water treatment plant. The first phase of the regional WTP would be approximately 25-27 MGD, of which Chatham County may choose to have an allocation of 3.5 MGD. WIP preliminary engineering studies such as, Governance (Raftelis), WTP preliminary design (CDM Smith), and Water Intake and Transmission Facilities (Hazen Sawyer) are eligible for the Grant. HDR will assist with the Grant application and will assemble the completed form into a funding application package. The application for the Grant is due May 2, 2022.
Discussion & Analysis: To date Chatham County has appropriated $5,063,661 for the WIP Regional Water Treatment Plant Preliminary Engineering Projects.
Budgetary Impact: Zero, no match is required under APRA funding for any preliminary engineering study grants. We are getting credit for the on-going studies that are already funded for with the WIP.
Recommendation: Motion to approve Resolution for the MRF Grant related to the Western Intake Partners New Regional Water Treatment Plant for up to $400,000.