City of Newcastle

PROJECT PURPOSE

This is an infrastructure project to replace the City's current 540,000 gallon per day wastewater treatment facility with a new, 1.5 million gallon per day wastewater treatment facility. The current antiquated facility was constructed in 1972 and facility capacity currently exceeds 80%. The new treatment facility has been designed to accommodate current and future growth with expansion capabilities. Land has been purchased for this project location. Engineering is approximately 75-80% complete and it is anticipated plans will be sent to ODEQ in September/October 2022.

EVIDENCE

Not applicable.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Many of the Newcastle residents who are served by the wastewater treatment facility are lower income or fixed income groups, including assisted living residents, and apartment dwellers. The financial burden of this project will likely force the City to pass along associated costs through rate increases to these vulnerable populations and others, many of whom are already struggling due to lower incomes exacerbated by the pandemic and inflationary pressures. Approximately 3000 cases (equaling 27% of Newcastle's population) of Covid-19 have been reported in Newcastle since the start of the pandemic which includes 22 deaths. Several businesses closed or significantly reduced operations during the height of the pandemic. Many of the Newcastle businesses are still trying to cope with labor shortages. Newcastle's current wastewater treatment facility is operating at more than 80% of its total capacity. During the height of the pandemic, wastewater discharge rates increased significantly due to many residents staying at home or working from home which lowered available capacity even further. The City of Newcastle experienced a 43% growth rate between 2010 and 2020 according to the 2020 Census, adding further stress to the City's wastewater treatment facility. This project/program will ensure current and future Newcastle residents and businesses continue to receive uninterrupted, reliable wastewater services without increasing their financial burden.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Sullivan's Engineering has been contracted for design and engineering services, permitting, bidding, construction oversight, and performance reporting. City staff is responsible for ensuring collection of required programmatic data, as well as compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act. Floyd Law Firm has been contracted to administer all financial transactions and documents.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma