Santa Rosa Board approves $1.3M engineering services for Fulton Road Sewer Lift Station

The City of Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities convened on March 6, 2025, to discuss the relocation of the Fulton Road Sewer Lift Station, a project that has been in consideration for over two decades. The meeting focused on the preliminary design and the procurement of engineering services for the project.

City staff presented the initial design, which includes a grinder vault to manage sewer flow and prevent pump clogs, an overflow wet well for flow collection, and plans for odor control facilities. The design will feature three pumps and a flow meter, with significant components located underground, similar to the existing lift station.

A request for proposals (RFP) was issued in December 2024, but only one proposal was received from Braultry and Rice Consulting Engineers. Despite outreach to other potential bidders, only four firms responded, citing various reasons for not submitting proposals. The city staff deemed Braultry and Rice qualified based on their relevant experience.

The estimated consultant fee for the project is approximately $1.3 million, which includes costs for project management, site investigations, and environmental compliance. The total construction cost is projected to be around $26 million, with the engineering fee estimated at 5% of that amount.

The project timeline indicates that if approved, permitting and design work could commence immediately, with construction anticipated to begin in the summer of 2027. This timeline is influenced by the need for extensive environmental surveys, particularly for rare plant species.

The Board is expected to vote on the project work order, which would authorize the engineering services necessary for the lift station's relocation. Board member Wright acknowledged the long history of the project, highlighting its significance to the community.