Sewer line bids exceed estimate

By Joe Pinchot
Herald Staff Writer

Bids to replace two old tile sewer lines in Wheatland came in higher than estimated. Officials are hoping to scale back the project, although they were unsure if the state will permit it. The five bids opened Wednesday ranged from $135,657 to $179,279, with David Construction Co. of Hermitage supplying the apparent low bid.

The project is to replace 100-year-old sanitary sewer lines along Vaughn Avenue and the Emerson Avenue-Hamilton Avenue alley.

Larry Habarka, project engineer for Winslow Inc., Hermitage, said the project was estimated at $110,000, but admitted the estimate was formulated two years ago, when the borough sought a state grant. The measurements of the lines also were incorrect when they were taken then, he said. The $96,100 grant was awarded through the county’s 1998 allotment, but the money was only recently released.

“I don’t know where we’re going to come up with the extra money,” said Councilman Ray Foster. “There’s no way we can come up with that kind of money.”

Habarka suggested scaling back the project, but Carmen Reichard, an administrator for Mercer County Regional Planning Commission, said she’s not sure that’s permitted under the Community Development Block Grant program.

“When you submit an application to the state you have to do what you said,” she said. Councilmen said the Vaughn line has caused the most problems and set it as the priority. Tree roots and cracks let in rain water and sewage backs up into homes during heavy rains. Habarka said the line was so clogged by roots that a television camera used to check its condition could not make it through the tangles.

Habarka said it would easiest to break the Emerson-Hamilton project in two and not do a section that affects only one house.

David’s bid said it could do the Vaughn line for $73,000, and the Emerson-Hamilton line for $63,000.

If the state permits downsizing the project, the borough could issue a change order to alter the scope of work at the same time the contractor signs on, Habarka said. Council will likely award a contract at its June 7 meeting.

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