City of Newcastle

PROJECT PURPOSE

This is an infrastructure project to construct and extend approximately 9.5 miles of 18-inch watermain, ensuring adequate volume and pressure for residents and businesses in south Newcastle. This project will also have a positive impact on the communities of Goldsby, Blanchard and the Chickasaw Nation as Newcastle continues to supply water to these entities.

EVIDENCE

Not applicable.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Many of the Newcastle residents who are served by the water system 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. The communities of Goldsby and Blanchard suffered much of the same impacts in relation to Covid-19. This project/program will ensure current and future Newcastle residents and businesses, continue to receive adequate water supply without increasing their financial burden. The project will also have a positive regional impact as Newcastle continues to supply water to Goldsby, Blanchard, and the Chickasaw Nation.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Sullivan's Engineering will be contracted for design and engineer services, bidding processes, permitting, construction oversight, and performance reporting. City staff will be responsible for ensuring collection of required programmatic data, as well as compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act. A third-party vendor will administer 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