Leavenworth City Council approves $97K design contract for water main upgrades

LEAVENWORTH — During a brief June 24 meeting, the Leavenworth City Council approved design services for a water main project that would address capacity and supply issues within the city’s water system.

The project plans to upgrade undersized or unlooped water mains on Stafford Street, West Center Street, and Cedar Street, aiming to provide consistent water service and improve system reliability.

The city council approved a $97,547 design services contract with RH2 Engineering, Inc., paid for by the city’s water fund. The scope includes 350 linear feet of pipe replacement on Stafford Street between O’Grady Street and Ski Hill Drive, as well as replacing 450 linear feet of pipe on West Center Street to the west of the intersection of O’Grady and West Center.

During the meeting, City Engineer Brantley Bain expressed uncertainty about the total cost due to the existing road conditions, as the project may call for a trench cut or paving the full width of the road.

“Those are some nuances we will have to work out during the design process,” said Bain.

Under the city’s list of water capital improvement projects, Stafford Street and West Center water main improvements are estimated to cost $490,000 combined. The list also referenced potential lawsuits as a risk of not completing the improvements. 

“Water availability was guaranteed by a previous director, and my understanding is that the size of the pipes do not deliver said water,” City Administrator Matthew Selby explained to the council.

During the meeting, city staff said that no threats had yet been received “in writing.”

If there is a remaining budget following the design completion of the two streets, the city will request RH2 to provide design improvements from Cedar Street between Burke Avenue and Fir Street. The estimated total cost of the Cedar Street loop completion is $210,000, according to the water capital improvement projects list.

Bain explained to the council that he was seeking out an existing design for the Cedar Street improvement from a previous plan. In the case the existing design was not found and there was no money left in the RH2 budget, Bain assured the council that the design could be completed in-house. Bain estimated the construction of the project would begin in 2026.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media