FPUA approves $3.28 million amendment to wastewater conveyance project

The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority board on July 7 approved Amendment 5 to the wastewater conveyance contract (CIP 2.2a), authorizing a guaranteed maximum price of $3,275,932.68 and a $150,000 contingency to continue the 30-inch force main toward Ten Mile Creek.

Shane Ostrander, the environmental engineer introduced earlier by staff, asked the board to approve the amendment and explained the work completes the next stretch of the Jenkins Road force main. "I'm seeking approval for amendment 5 for the capital improvement project known as 2.2a," Ostrander said, adding that the design is 100% complete, permitting has been submitted, and the project is "eligible and expected to be grant reimbursed." He also requested authorization for the director of utilities to execute change orders pursuant to the resolution cited in the presentation.

Board members asked a series of clarifying questions about the alignment and right of way. Staff confirmed Jenkins Road will carry the pipeline within the existing right of way for a future connector to Glades Cutoff, and acknowledged portions of the corridor are undeveloped wetland. When asked about a marquee at the Morris Creek site, staff said engineers modified plans so the sign will remain and the permanent fence will be sited east of the sign so it remains visible from 25th Street.

A board member moved to approve the amendment as presented; the board then called the roll and recorded affirmative votes from the members present, approving the amendment.

The amendment funds work to connect the downtown and mainland reclamation facilities as part of a multi‑phase plan presented previously to the board. Staff said prior amendments covered detailed design, the downtown force main and lift station modifications, and the Morris Creek booster station; Amendment 5 continues the Jenkins Road force main toward Ten Mile Creek with valving, connections and future booster station stub-outs.

The board did not discuss a construction schedule in detail at the meeting; staff said permitting approvals are pending and that the project will be brought back for related design items (CIP 2.2b) soon.

Actions taken: the board approved Amendment 5 (CIP 2.2a) with a GMP of $3,275,932.68 and authorized a $150,000 contingency and director authority for change orders as described in the presentation.