The design of Pierre’s new water treatment plant was unveiled and approved at last night’s (Tues.) City Commission meeting.
Of the estimated total project cost of $37.5 million, $33.1 million is for construction. The remainder accounts for the engineering, design and architectural services that went into the project.
The facility design is 24 months in the making and is far more complex than the low-profile, flat-topped building that will be visible in Steamboat Park. Almost half of facility is underground and includes piping that takes the water from the Missouri River to the facility, as well as underground water treatment mechanisms and holding tanks.
The first part of the operation to be built will be the water intake. It will be located in the river on the north side of the Missouri River Bridge and water will be pumped to the facility; if plans go according to schedule, that work will begin next month.
Late this year, excavation at the site of the water treatment facility will begin. By fall next year, the building should start to take shape. In mid-2022, the system will be in place to begin the transition to treated water.
“By fall 2022, we hope to have the water flowing from the new facility to your faucet,” said Brad Palmer, City Utilities Director.
With 73% of the vote, in June 2018, Pierre voters approved the plan to build a new water treatment facility in Steamboat Park to reduce the high mineral content found in Pierre’s current water supply. Surface water from the Missouri River will be treated and distributed to the community. This plan, as approved by voters, includes raising residential water rates by approximately $1 a day.
The City used a Construction Manager at Risk agreement for this project. PKG Contracting, Inc., teaming with Scull Construction Services Inc., holds that agreement and is responsible for keeping the construction cost at $33.1 million or less.
Comments