The La Marque City Council convened for its regular meeting on October 28, 2024, at 6 PM, focusing on critical infrastructure projects and funding strategies. The meeting primarily addressed two significant agenda items: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan and the wastewater treatment plant expansion project.

The first item discussed was the CWSRF area of impact, which pertains to a proposed $10 million loan from the Texas Water Development Board. City officials presented a detailed breakdown of how the funds would be allocated, including approximately five miles of sewer system rehabilitation on the west side and three miles on the east side. Additionally, the project includes the restoration of around 200 manholes. This discussion was informational, with no immediate action required from the council.

Council members engaged in a thorough dialogue regarding the importance of the manhole rehabilitation project, emphasizing its role in preventing rainwater infiltration into the sewer system. This infiltration, known as inflow and infiltration (I&I), can lead to system overloads during heavy rainfall, resulting in potential sewage spills. The city plans to utilize fiberglass inserts for manhole repairs, which are expected to have a longer lifespan compared to traditional concrete.

Following this, the council moved on to the second agenda item concerning the wastewater treatment plant expansion project. The project, initially budgeted at $25 million, has seen cost adjustments, leading to a combined budget of approximately $36 million for both the treatment plant and associated lift station upgrades. The council received an update from project managers and engineers, who proposed a design change to incorporate sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) instead of conventional treatment methods. This change aims to reduce construction costs and improve efficiency by allowing wastewater treatment to occur in a single tank, thereby minimizing the need for additional infrastructure.

The council discussed the advantages of SBR technology, including lower capital costs and a smaller physical footprint. The project team highlighted the importance of these upgrades in enhancing the city's wastewater management capabilities and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

No formal votes were taken during the meeting, as both discussions were primarily informational. However, the council expressed a commitment to moving forward with the proposed plans and ensuring that residents are kept informed about the progress and implications of these critical infrastructure projects. The next steps will involve further evaluations and potential approvals as the city seeks to secure the necessary funding and implement the proposed improvements.