SUBJECT
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Approve the Revised West Polk Project Schedule (Action)
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DESCRIPTION
In May of 2024, the PRWC Board of Directors was presented an update on expected member water demands for water supply. The update indicated that water supply demand for West Polk participating members were lower than previously estimated. These member demands largely drive the schedule for the West Polk project. The current schedule contemplates a Phase 1 West Polk Water Production Facility (WPF) coming online in 2028 with a capacity of 2.5 MGD; however, member 2028 demands for the West Polk WPF are currently estimated to be only 0.62 MGD.
Concurrently, staff and consultants continued to work with the acquisition team and contractors to complete the Southeast Water Production Facility and Transmission Main projects. Schedule delays have occurred, driven primarily by the acquisition process. This information, coupled with West Polk demand updates, led staff to evaluate potential modifications to the West Polk schedule.
This presentation recaps the drivers that are influencing the West Polk schedule and will present a range of potential outcomes. Staff is requesting Board concurrence that portions of the design be deferred such that water would be delivered in 2032. Specific milestones include:
• Initiate Acquistion - ongoing
• Initiate Injection Well 1 - 2024
• Initiate 60% Design - 2025 (prioritize pipeline)
• Initiate 90% Design - 2026/2027
• Initiate WPF Construction - 2029
• Project completion 2032
Staff will continue to monitor the proposed schedule based on future water supply demand updates, workload associated with the Southeast Project, and marketplace conditions such that the PRWC can take advantage of favorable pricing opportunities. In the event staff find such opportunities or other reasons for schedule modification, we will provide the Board of Directors a revised schedule.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the revised West Polk Project schedule as presented.
FISCAL IMPACT
Unknown. The delayed schedule may impact professional and construction fees but is difficult to estimate at this time.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Mary Thomas