Council approves revised scope for Merced flood-control project; city match estimated at about $490,000

City engineer Javier Andrade reported on a flood-control project for the Merced area that drew grant funding initially estimated at about $4.3 million. Two bids were received; the lowest base bid was reported as $4.7 million from AG Construction. Staff and the contractor reviewed line items and removed nonessential park and landscaping features to focus on flood mitigation. Andrade said the negotiated/reduced construction cost is approximately $3.656 million, which would require the city to provide an additional match of about $490,000 from road, sewer and gas-tax funds. After discussion, council approved the revised scope and awarded the work for the flood-control elements under the amended budget and match plan.