January 9, 2024 |
Photo – Leaking water pipe – Bigfoot99 file photo
The city of Rawlins is preparing to solicit contractor bids to design a new water transmission system.
In March of 2022, Rawlins suffered a system-wide water infrastructure failure. The catastrophic event prompted city officials to investigate replacing the century-old pipes that transport water from the springs and wells that feed the city.
Later in the year, Rawlins applied for a $7.5 million American Rescue Plan Act grant to repair and replace its entire 32-mile water transmission line. The State Loan and Investment Board, who oversaw the distribution of the federal funding, denied the city’s request. Rawlins received no money.
Last year, the State Loan and Investment Board announced another round of federal ARPA funding. Not wanting a repeat of the previous year, Rawlins officials instead asked for $735,000 to design a new water transmission system. This time the city’s grant request was approved.
At the January 2nd Rawlins city council meeting, City Manager Tom Sarvey said he is working with an engineering firm to come up with a request for proposal, or RFP, to design a new water transmission line.
When the RFP is written, the city can begin soliciting contractors to bid on the water transmission design project.
Sarvey said he has learned that state and federal grants may be available this summer to help offset the cost of constructing a new water transmission line. The city manager said with the RFP in hand, he is hoping the project can begin later this year.
Sarvey offered to hold a work session to inform the council and the public about the city’s current and future water situation. The Rawlins city council did not take Sarvey up on his offer at the January 2nd meeting.
