Water and Waste Committee | Jan. 18, 2025

The Town of Christiansburg Virginia Water and Waste Committee met on January 18, 2025, to discuss several ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects primarily focused on water and sewer systems. Key procurement-related topics included updates on the College Street Drainage Project Phase 2, funded by a $3.7 million grant with a $410,000 town match, and the Hickox Street Drainage project, which is under construction with a $5 million total budget from a 50/50 grant. The committee also reviewed the Airhead Sewer Rehabilitation Project, funded by a $3.1 million 100% grant, with plans to propose a $900,000 change order to expand the project scope. Additionally, the committee discussed water loss reduction efforts, highlighting a 35% loss estimated to cost the town approximately $1.1 million annually, and the need for a multi-year capital plan to address aging infrastructure. Procurement and contract management for water meter upgrades with vendor Mueller were also covered, including budgeting for phased equipment replacement through 2028. The meeting included updates on solid waste capital fleet purchases, with new trucks ordered and a proposed rate increase due to rising tipping fees. The committee reviewed grant funding strategies and expressed cautious optimism about future state-level funding. No formal votes were recorded in the transcript, but several action items related to contract amendments, budget allocations, and project planning were discussed.