AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a Staff presentation on the FM 1978 Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Progressive Design-Build Project located southeast of the city and facility naming methodology.
Body
Meeting date: June 16, 2026
Department: Engineering and Capital Improvements
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Fiscal Note:
Prior Council Action: Res. 2024-63R, Contract with Ardurra Group, Inc for Owner Advisor Services for progressive design-build project. Res. 2024-78R, Regional Wastewater Services and Facilities Cost Sharing Agreement and subsequent three amendments. Res. 2025-125R, Contract with Burns & McDonnell for the FM 1978 Water Reclamation Facility progressive design project.
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Wastewater Master Plan
Background Information:
This presentation updates council on the status of the progressive design-build project with Burns and McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. and also explains the methodology used for selecting the FM 1978 Water Reclamation Facility name.
In May 2024, Council approved a cost sharing agreement with multiple developers to fund a new water reclamation facility in rapidly developing area in the southeast part of San Marcos. The new facility will allow the City to avoid multiple, small package plants throughout the area around and upstream of the San Marcos river. The new facility is anticipated to treat 2 MGD initially and be expandable to 8 MGD. An alternative delivery method for design and construction of the wastewater treatment facility is required to meet the agreed schedule and provide price certainty in lieu of conventional design-bid-build method, typically employed by the city.
We are nearing completion of Phase 1 for design development of Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contract amendments. GMP1 & GMP2 will be combined presented to council in July for approval of the early work packages, such as pump and haul improvements and also the long lead equipment procurement. After further design development GMP3 will be presented to council for approval in September 2026. GMP3 will authorize the balance of the FM 1978 WRF construction scope. Construction is expected to start by October 2026 with completion expected in September 2028. Facility naming methodology will also be explained for the FM 1978 Water Reclamation Facility (FM 1978 WRF) and the River Road Water Reclamation Facility (River Rd. WRF) name will also be addressed
The FM 1978 Water Reclamation Facility project is currently estimated at +$96 million for design and construction. This will be contracted with Burns & McDonnell’s Phase 1 contract plus the three GMP contract amendments that are scheduled for July and September of this year.
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