After months of no bid interest for the Horsepasture water treatment facility, Tuckaseigee Water & Sewer Authority received two bids at their April 11 opening. The lowest bidder was T.P. Howard, who estimated $30.5 million for the facility, a range much higher than TWSA originally expected.
Executive director Daniel Manring said TWSA was in contact with the USDA about what to do next to help with funding. Manring said per TWSA’s original application, they may be eligible for grants to cover upwards of 75 percent of the project. The USDA representatives present didn’t feel like that was realistic on the regional level, but they floated $10 million in grants.
Manring said all considered costs of the project is expected to total $38 million.
“We’re trying to iron out the feasibility of the project before we discuss bids,” Manring said.
If the full 75 percent of grant funding is met, Manring said TWSA’s debt will still be around $3 million.
Unfortunately, TWSA is fighting other competition for funding. He said 40 percent of North Carolina’s grant funds have been appropriated.
Manring plans to meet with Congressman Chuck Edwards and Jackson County Manager Kevin King to discuss aid. Manring hopes Edwards will be able to appropriate funding for the project in the coming fiscal years. With no additional grant funding, Manring speculated a debt of $29 million. On a realistic manner, Manring estimated the debt around $21 million with a $10 million grant.
The April 11 bids will be good for 90 days, by which time TWSA must sign an agreement with a notice awarding the bid to the contractor. Manring said with no financial concerns, T.P. Howard gave five months to start the project and an estimated two years to finish it.