In a recent meeting of the Denton Public Utilities Board, significant discussions centered around the delays and financial implications of a major utility project. The meeting, held on April 14, 2025, highlighted the challenges faced after the contract was awarded, particularly regarding easement agreements that were not processed in a timely manner.

The board learned that the project experienced a two-month delay in the Notice to Proceed (NTP) due to complications with EnLink, the company responsible for acquiring necessary easements. This delay ultimately extended the project timeline by 210 days, resulting in substantial additional costs. The total financial impact of the delay was estimated at approximately $1.4 million per day, leading to a total of $3.3 million in general conditions, labor, equipment escalations, and other associated costs.

Key figures from the meeting indicated that the project management and engineering teams remained on-site throughout the delay, incurring costs related to labor and equipment. The board discussed the specifics of these costs, including the breakdown of general conditions, which amounted to around $2.2 million. The discussions also touched on the specifications being used for the project, confirming that they adhered to the City of Denton’s standards.

Despite the challenges, there was a sense of optimism as the board noted that the contractor, Sunt, had been cooperative and was working diligently to mitigate costs. In a separate project, Sunt was reported to be returning nearly $700,000 in unused contingency funds to the city, reflecting a commitment to transparency and fairness in their dealings.

The board ultimately voted to approve the financial adjustments related to the project, moving forward with a nearly unanimous decision. This meeting underscored the complexities involved in municipal utility projects and the importance of effective communication and planning among all parties involved. As the project progresses, the board will continue to monitor developments and seek opportunities for cost savings.