Alachua Fortifies Utilities Infrastructure

ALACHUA ‒ In an effort to enhance its utilities infrastructure, the City of Alachua is advancing the expansion of wastewater facilities and the acquisition of a state-of-the-art bucket truck.

The Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project took a significant step forward as the City Commission on April 8, 2024, approved the bid for infrastructure construction.

With population growth and development in the western part of the City of Alachua placing increasing demands on existing systems, the project aims to bolster capacity and improve operational efficiency.

On Jan. 31, 2024, the City solicited formal bids from qualified vendors to furnish key components of the wastewater project including labor, materials, services, expenses, equipment, direct and indirect costs, lump sum price to construct approximately 9,000 linear feet of pressurized Wastewater Main and improve the existing lift stations under the Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project.

Qualified bids were received from Art Walker Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,924,301 and GWP Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,137,069. GWP was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

The project is being funding in part through a Florida Department of Environmental Department (FDEP) grant of $850,000 of which $150,000 is going to engineering leaving the remaining $700,000 available for a portion of the construction cost. The remaining project cost will be paid through the City’s Waste Water Fund.

The Commission unanimously approved awarding the bid to GWP Construction Inc.

And, after a nearly two-year delay, the City of Alachua Utilities Department will soon be the recipient of a new state-of-the art bucket truck.

On Sept. 26, 2022, the City Commission authorized $179,500 to provide for the purchase of one AT48M Bucket Truck. The demand for new bucket trucks along with production delays created long lead times, sometimes multiple years, creating price increases from the original quote.

In April 2022, Altec Industries, Inc. quoted the bucket truck at a cost of $179,425. After supply delays, the AT48M truck is now in production at a current price of $192,222.

Altec Industries, Inc. honored the original quote of $179,425 with the $12,797 increase coming from a newer 2024 Ford F550 4x4model chassis along with a slight increase in the delivery charge.

The purchase will be paid for out of the City’s Electric fund with the specially equipped vehicle enhancing the operation and reliability of the utility department.

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