Price City Press Release
Last week, the Price City Council approved a contract with Nelco Contractors for flood improvements. The contract is valued at over $1 million and will be used to fix and improve infrastructure that was damaged in last year’s flooding.
One of the main priorities of the project is to replace the culvert in Meads Wash at 400 South. The 400 South culvert failed during the flooding causing a gas main to be undercut and threatening the integrity of the rest of the road. A new temporary gas main was installed within days of the flood and the city has kept the road closed out of an “abundance of caution.”
Another main part of the project will be to install a large storm drain in 800 North from 700 East to Meads Wash.
“Up stream of 800 North is Cove Basin, which collects lots of water from the hill above. That water is dumped out onto 800 North during every major storm event and threatens homes and makes a big mess,” stated Russell Seeley, Price City Engineer. “With this new storm drain, storm water from all but the biggest storms will stay in underground pipes all the way to Meads Wash. This will let these homeowners sleep at night and prevent damage from flooding.”
The project includes two other smaller tasks including reinforcing a drinking water main that was exposed and damaged in Meads Wash and repairing the culvert in Meads Wash at 100 North.
“There are other projects that need attention too,” continued Seeley, “but we are limited by cost. We are working right now to get more funding to fix more damaged areas.”
The contractors are expected to get started around July 10 and finish up before the end of October with one exception: the 400 South Culvert.
“FEMA regulates the installation of new culverts in Meads Wash and is very particular about how it’s done,” explained Seeley. “This has been the longest hang up in our design, is getting approval from FEMA for construction. We still don’t have permission yet, but we are hopeful that will come in the next few weeks.”
FEMA delays notwithstanding, Price City is optimistic that all projects will be finished by the end of October.
“I know that it has been difficult for lots of our residents to deal with a closed road,” said Seeley, “but we are asking for you to be patient for a little longer.”
If anyone has questions or concerns about the construction project, they can call Russell Seeley at Price City Public Works Department at 637-5010.