County approves sewer pump station work for museum and removes collapsed bridge in Deer Creek

Washington County supervisors voted July 7 to remove a collapsed pedestrian bridge in Deer Creek and to proceed with repairs to restore sewer service to the Jim Henson Museum.

Staff reported two contractor quotes to remove the Deer Creek bridge — one for $18,600 and another at approximately $122,500 — and the board approved the lower quote by motion. County staff said they would issue a purchase order and coordinate with the contractor to begin removal work.

Separately, staff presented two quotes for constructing a small pump station to restore sewer service to the museum. The project scope described by staff included installing a 36-inch fiberglass basin, a two-horsepower grinder pump, a control panel tied to the building electrical system and boring a sewer line under the creek to reconnect to the sewer on the far bank. The board accepted the lower mechanical/system quote after questions about time frame and budget impact; staff said the expected lead time was roughly two weeks.

Jeremy (county staff) cautioned that the accepted work would be a substantial hit to the department’s budget, and supervisors requested full procurement paperwork and a purchase order prior to the contractor beginning work.

The motions to authorize bridge removal and to accept the lower sewer-repair quote passed by voice/gesture; board members emphasized the need to track cost impacts and to update the budget as necessary.