Council approves $2.49M engineering agreement and authorizes WSIG grant application for Ward County raw-water line

Pecos City Council approved two companion actions to advance a regional water transmission project: a professional-services agreement with Tompkins (WTC) for engineering and a city submittal of the Texas Water Development Board grant application that could provide up to $20 million.

Assistant City Manager Nicole Ferrehan told the council the grant application was due before midnight and that WTC was selected under a qualifications‑based process allowed by state law because of its relevant experience and current field mobilization. Chad Tompkins of Tompkins Engineering said the project could cost somewhat more than $20 million but that recent declines in some construction costs and a range of alternatives could keep the total within the grant ceiling. Council voted to approve the engineering agreement (not to exceed $2,486,567) and to authorize staff to finalize and submit the grant application and related budget transfer.