WTP4 Stoppage Estimate Postponed

We’d noted that despite its absence from the City Council agenda, the cost estimate of a five or 10-year construction stoppage at Water Treatment Plant No. 4 was expected today. Well, keep waiting, according to an e-mail from Assistant City Manager Rudy Garza.

Garza e-mailed the following to council yesterday evening:

Mayor and Council

As you know, we have tasked Camp Dresser McKee (CDM) with the preparation of the independent cost analysis of WTP4 construction suspension per Resolution No. 20110728-110.

During the discussion prior to approval of the resolution by the City Council, I informed you that our goal would be to complete the analysis by the target date of August 18, 2011; however, we would ensure that we provide you the most accurate and comprehensive data possible, even if that meant we would require more time.

This effort as you know is very complex and required CDM to analyze information provided by the Construction Manager (MWH), City Staff, as well as the City outside legal counsel. CDM has notified us that they have gathered all the necessary information, and performed much of the analysis. However, they have not completed all the necessary analysis and require more time. This additional time will allow them to complete the analysis, reports, as well as their own quality assurance review.

We expect to have the final report to the City Council no later than next Friday, August 26, 2011.

Please contact me if you have any questions. Thanks

Rudy

No word so far on how this might affect the stated Sept. 2 resumption of “Notices to Proceed” with new construction, although Bill Spelman told us he could foresee pushing that date back to adequately vet the numbers.