Pine Bluff Wastewater General Manager Ken Johnson and Pine Bluff Public Works Director Larry Matthews provided insights into the University Drive sewer improvement project Monday before the city’s Development and Planning Committee, although frustrations mounted over its prolonged delay.
For several years, the construction of sewer infrastructure in an area lacking such facilities has been a top priority for the city. The project has progressed, and the city was in the design phase for new sewer lines along 73rd Avenue and U.S. 63 earlier this year. The process of acquiring easements for a new sewer line along University Drive has also begun.
Funding for the projects was secured a few years ago. All preliminary work, such as easements and engineering, has been finalized. The University Drive project is prepared to move forward, but a decision regarding how to proceed is pending due to project bids significantly exceeding the allocated budget.
Discussions arose regarding the need to either reduce the project’s scope or explore alternative funding options. Although specific amounts were not disclosed, in a 2021 interview, Matthews revealed that the estimated cost for the three sewer projects was about $3.4 million. Pine Bluff was then awarded approximately $16 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, receiving $8,327,108 earlier that year with the remainder expected to have been received in 2022.
Matthews said that when he heard Pine Bluff was getting funds from the American Rescue Plan, there were already projects on the books that the money could be used for, which were the sewer extension projects for U.S. 63, University Drive and 73rd Avenue.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Committee members expressed concern about the timeline and the lack of clarity surrounding the delay. Democratic mayoral candidate and State Rep. Vivian Flowers questioned why the project has been held up when all necessary steps seem to have been taken.
The projects, initially planned several years ago, have been hampered by unexpected costs and logistical challenges. The committee plans to continue discussions with the city council in hopes of reaching a decision before the contract extension expires.
One potential avenue for funding is a $2 million grant application currently under development in collaboration with the Delta Regional Authority. If secured, the grant could help bridge the funding gap for the University Drive project. However, concerns were raised about the grant’s timeline and the potential impact of reallocating funds on other planned projects in the city.
The committee also discussed the prioritization of different project areas, weighing the economic impact and community needs. While some members advocated for prioritizing University Drive because of its readiness and the urgent need for sewer services, others emphasized the potential economic benefits of improving wastewater infrastructure in the 63rd Avenue and 73rd Avenue areas. These areas have attracted interest from potential businesses, and completing the sewer line from 63rd down to 73rd has been a longstanding request from homeowners.
The time sensitivity of the projects was a recurring theme throughout the meeting, with certain criteria for the state with a December deadline. Construction costs are expected to rise further with delays, and there are concerns about the availability of federal funds and potential deadlines for their use. A desire to avoid starting the bidding process and easement acquisition for the 63rd Avenue project, only to face similar funding challenges down the line, was also expressed.
The meeting ended with the council urging all stakeholders to expedite a resolution. The focus remains on advancing the University Drive project while exploring options to secure additional funding and address the needs of other areas.