Bentonville Utility Board Approves Major Projects
In a significant move to support Bentonville's rapid growth, the Bentonville Utility Board has approved several resolutions aimed at improving the city's sewer and wastewater infrastructure. The board's decisions, made during the August 6th meeting, include accepting a $3 million grant from the Alice Walton Foundation and entering into agreements for critical engineering and infrastructure projects.
Grant from Alice Walton Foundation
The board accepted a $3 million grant from the Alice Walton Foundation, which will be allocated towards the comprehensive improvement of Bentonville's water, sewer, and wastewater systems. This funding will specifically support the creation of a capital improvement plan (CIP) designed to address the challenges posed by the city’s rapid expansion.
According to the terms of the grant, $400,000 will be used for the city’s current engineer to complete the water and sewer planning. Additionally, $1.6 million will fund the hiring of four new water and sewer staff members who will focus on sewer improvements over the next three years. The remaining $1 million will be allocated to an external engineering firm to develop a 20-year water and sewer CIP, with the city planning to request proposals from national firms to handle this aspect of the project.
Partnership with Garver Engineering
In alignment with the grant’s objectives, the board also approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with Garver Engineering for the analysis and preliminary design of the Shewmaker and Townbranch sewer basins. This project is crucial as it will support the future growth and development in these areas, which are expected to see significant expansion in the coming years.
The agreement outlines Garver's role in evaluating the current and future conditions of the sewer basins, identifying necessary improvements, and developing a plan to accommodate increased capacity. The initiative is seen as a proactive step to ensure that Bentonville's infrastructure can keep pace with its growth.
Additional Approvals and Budget Adjustments
The board also approved the purchase of a new F550 truck chassis through the Sourcewell cooperative for the Water Utilities department. This purchase is part of a broader effort to upgrade the city’s equipment and improve operational efficiency. Furthermore, a budget adjustment was approved to accommodate the increased contracted services required for these ongoing and future projects.
Looking Ahead
With these approvals, Bentonville is well-positioned to enhance its infrastructure in a way that supports sustainable growth. The partnership with the Alice Walton Foundation and Garver Engineering represents a strategic approach to managing the city's expansion, ensuring that Bentonville's utility systems remain robust and capable of meeting the demands of a growing population.
As these projects progress, the Utility Board will continue to oversee the implementation and ensure that the city's infrastructure keeps pace with its development.
