Council approves HDR contract to analyze water intake station retrofit options

The Anacortes City Council authorized the mayor to sign contract C2026‑0218 with HDR Engineering Inc. for up to $158,700 to perform an alternatives analysis for the water treatment plant intake/pump station.

Water System Manager Terry Nemeth told council the intake station, built in the early 1970s, has structural piling that could fail in a 2021 IBC‑design seismic event and that the alternatives analysis will evaluate retrofit options that maintain operation without the potential $20–30 million cost of full replacement. Nemeth described the analysis deliverable as multiple retrofit proposals and high‑level permitting and cost summaries; construction design would require a later, separate contract. “I’m asking is to approve the award for HDR at not to exceed a 158,700 to do the alternatives analysis,” he said.

Council members asked whether the analysis would require a budget adjustment (staff said no for the analysis) and about likely construction timing (design and build in 2027–28 if needed). The motion to approve the HDR contract passed by voice vote.