IDB approves $1.18 million change order for Moccasin Bend Class A power project

The Industrial Development Board on a voice vote approved change order number 1 with Archer Western Construction LLC of Atlanta, increasing the Class A power project contract by $1,178,322.38 to a revised total of $14,568,322.38.

The change order, presented by Mark Heinser, administrator for the city's wastewater department, covers additional design and early work needed after the project team abandoned a higher‑cost thermal hydrolysis approach and retooled the biosolids side of the project. "The initial concept using thermal hydrolysis returned numbers about $50,000,000 more than our budget would allow," Heinser said, adding that the team instead will construct additional anaerobic digesters and use technology staff already know to lower upfront cost and operational risk.

Heinser told the board the project will be separated into two concurrent design packages so the liquid‑treatment track — where technology choices are locked in — can proceed ahead of the redesigned biosolids track. He described the redesign as a way to "save the project" and produce a higher‑quality biosolids product while generating additional biogas for onsite energy production.

Board members asked for more detail on the savings realized and on local workforce participation by the Atlanta‑based contractor. Heinser said the concrete, steel and heavy trades required for large concrete tanks and digesters typically produce substantial local work and that more precise local‑hire numbers will come from the design‑build contractor's bid packages.

A committee member moved to approve the resolution; the board voiced its approval and the chair declared the resolution passed. The board was told a formal resolution for the redesign change order appears in the meeting packet and that staff and counsel will continue to monitor project cost and schedule impacts.

The board's action covers design changes intended to keep the overall project on an affordable capital plan and to preserve staff familiarity with chosen technologies. The project retains a substantial completion target for the E2I2 tanks of March 2027, while the Class A power project remains behind schedule due to the redesign.