Levee cross-pipe grant amended; construction timeline extended as relief wells are reengineered

County staff presented an amendment to an RFP grant (item 6.15) for construction of levee cross pipes on the Williamsport side and asked commissioners to approve a timeline extension. Staff said construction is not expected to start for about two years because the relief wells will be reengineered, which shifted project priorities and schedules.

Commissioners noted that the amendment carries no additional county cost and that the City of Williamsport currently has an $8 million earmark to pay for engineering work on the relief wells; one speaker also referenced an additional $3.5 million in related funds the city is in the process of securing. The board approved the amendment and the extension with no change in local match stated in the discussion.

Staff said the engineering work on the relief wells must be completed before construction can proceed and that the county will continue to coordinate with the city and state partners.