A contract for the Raw Water Pump Generator project is in the works as city officials get ready to approve the lowest bids for the installation of its backup generator.
According to city engineering consultant Michael Marino, the funds for the project come from the American Rescue Plan Act and total $800,000. Some of the electrical work has to be re-bid to fit that amount of funding.
“There was a couple of extras that we put in, but it’s not in the budget,” he said.
Currently, the generator has been shipped and needs to be installed. The generator will be placed outside the pump station in North Tonawanda and needs a concrete pad to sit upon, along with a diesel fuel tank. City officials are slated to approve the lowest bid for the concrete work by NFP & Sons at Wednesday’s meeting.
Third Ward Alderman Mark Devine remembered being told by Joshua Fiegl, city electrician, and Dennis McNamara, chief operator at the water treatment plant, of the need for a backup power supply for potable water when he chaired the water board.
“That was nine years ago,” Devine said. “They’re the ones who really deserve the credit.”
The pump station sits on River Road in North Tonawanda and pumps water out of the Niagara River. The station has worked fine for years but currently doesn’t have a backup power supply.
While there is an intercept at Lockport’s water treatment plant for pre-treated water from the Niagara County Water District, that supply is limited and expensive, said Marino, making the pump house’s ability to send water crucial.
“All of the contracts for the work needed to install the generator are being put together now,” he said. “This one is needed now because it involves concrete and winter is coming. The other contracts will probably be presented next month.”
Other contracts include the electrical and mechanical work to install the generator, all of which will be done indoors.