Eagle Pass Water Works Board approves Maintenance/Distribution Building Construction Project and Manhole Repair Services

By: Jose G. Landa, Copyright 2014, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc.

The Eagle Pass Water Works and Sewer System (EPWWS) Board of Trustees approved the first phase of the construction of their maintenance/distribution building at their regular Board meeting held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014.

The EPWWS Board of Trustees unanimously approved initializing the engineering service phase of the proposed maintenance/ distribution building project. General Manager Jorge Barrera presented the Board the details regarding the over $800,000 project as well as the engineering services agreement with Tetra-Tech, Inc. for $108,947.

“This is a contract to enter into work order no. 3 as by our master service engineering agreement with Tetra Tech, Inc. This is specifically for the EPWWS maintenance/distribution building that is in the plans,” said Barrera. Barrera added this is a long overdue project that is greatly needed by the EPWWS.  The building will be used for the storage of meters, pipeline, and equipment as well as the distribution center for the EPWWS and its daily operations. The maintenance/distribution building will be built at the EPWWS Water Plant located on Monroe Street.

Eagle Pass Mayor Ramsey English Cantu asked Barrera what is the estimated cost of construction of the project, which Barrera replied approximately $700,000.

Another agenda item discussed and unanimously approved was the hiring of Fuquay Incorporated for repairing 20 manholes within the EPWWS. This project will cost $112,108. Barrera noted that many of these 20 manholes are over 50 years old and require repairs.

Barrera informed the Board that the new radio read drive-by water meters program is beginning on September 17, 2014. The EPWWS is replacing over 13,000 water meters and the community is asked to be patient as they will be notified when their water meters will be changed.

The EPWWS Board also approved to table any action regarding Dos Republicas Coal Partnership’s request to return 176 acres feet of Rio Grande River water rights to a future meeting until the full Board is present. Board member Larry Martin was absent at this meeting.