Council awards $3.285 million contract to replace blowers, valves at Northeast wastewater plant

The Copperas Cove City Council authorized the city manager to execute a $3,285,000 contract with Matus Construction for replacement of four blowers and valves at the Northeast wastewater treatment plant.

Assistant Public Works Director Chris Altot told the council the blowers were originally installed around 2005–2006 and that staff selected rotary blowers expected to provide the needed displacement and reduce aeration electricity costs, a major operating expense for treatment plants. The project also includes valve replacements in the lift station and each sequencing batch reactor basin.

The city advertised the project twice in July and received a single bid at a base amount of $2,860,000 with an alternate B1 of $425,000 for a total recommended contract amount of $3,285,000. Councilmember Del Treadway moved to award Bid No. PW2025-01-84 to Matus Construction; John Hale seconded and the motion passed without opposition.

Staff said the project follows professional design services previously awarded to Friese Nichols (FNI). Altot said the city expects energy savings from newer blowers but did not provide an estimate of annual dollar savings.