City of Newcastle

PROJECT PURPOSE

This project will construct and extend a new wastewater main to serve businesses and residents currently without this service. It will also eliminate a lift-station saving the City personnel and maintenance costs.

EVIDENCE

Not applicable

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

Many of the Newcastle residents who are served by the wastewater 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. Residents and businesses to be served by this wastewater main are currently relying on private wastewater systems, some of which are failing and subject to ODEQ enforcement.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Sullivan's Engineering has been contracted for design and engineering services, bidding processes, permitting, construction oversight, and performance reporting. Engineering is complete and plans have been submitted to ODEQ for approval. City staff will be responsible for ensuring collection of required programmatic data, compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act, and administration of 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