AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Consider approval of Resolution 2026-49R, approving a Contribution In Aid of Construction with Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc., for Bluebonnet to install overhead and underground electric distribution facilities for the Highway 80 Utility Project, in the amount of $265,879.18; authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to approve the Contribution In Aid of Construction on behalf of the city; and declaring an effective date.
Body
Meeting date: April 7, 2026
Department: Engineering and Capital Improvements
Amount & Source of Funding
Funds Required: $265,879.18
Account or Project Number (C = CIP funds): C555
Funds Available: Yes
Account Name: Hwy 80 Lift St & 10-Inch Force Main
Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: 2021-99R Award of Engineering Contract, 2022-131R Change In Service No. 1, 2023-48R Change In Service No. 2
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Background Information:
The attached contribution-in-aid of Construction from Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc., for $265,879.18, will provide the underground and overhead electrical distribution connection to power the Highway 80 wastewater lift station that will begin construction in May.
This electrical distribution feed will power the proposed lift station that is part of the overall Highway 80 Utility Project that includes 18 inch diameter force main, and 24 inch diameter reclaimed water transmission main that will convey wastewater from the lift station to the River Road Wastewater Treatment Plant and also convey reclaimed water from the wastewater plant to the service area in the eastern part of San Marcos near Highway 80 and FM 110.
This project was identified as a priority in the 2015 and 2025 Wastewater Master Plans to address capacity issues anticipated in the near future due to growth north and east of the Blanco River. The reclaimed water main was identified in the 2013 and 2026 Reclaimed Water Master Plans. Once this lift station is operational, there are several additional wastewater projects that will need to be completed upstream in the northeastern part of town to relieve strained infrastructure that currently serves this area.
Bids have been received for the construction contract in the $13-$15 million range and construction is expected to start in May 2026 to connect the proposed lift station, force main, and reclaimed transmission main to pipelines that were previously constructed with the Blanco Riverine Flood Mitigation project between the Blanco River and River Rd Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Council Committee, Board/Commission Action:
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Alternatives:
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Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of this Contribution-In-Aid of Construction with Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, Inc.