The Chickasha City Council on Sept. 15 authorized the mayor to execute Task Order No. 1 with Chisholm Trail Consulting LLC for Phase 1 of First Street sanitary sewer improvements for an amount not to exceed $200,000.

City staff described the project as work on a primary interceptor line that runs along First Street and regularly backs up, sometimes requiring a day or two to clear. The line narrows in one segment from 24 inches to 18 inches and then returns to 24 inches downstream, a configuration staff said contributes to recurring blockages. The line carries sewage from several downtown locations including the county jail, and backups have previously disrupted courthouse operations.

Staff said the Phase 1 work will include installing a bar screen to capture debris before it enters the main line, replacing the undersized segment of pipe, and evaluating line sizing to maintain consistent capacity. The task order covers consulting and design work for Phase 1; construction was not described in detail at the meeting.

Why it matters: recurring backups on the First Street interceptor have affected downtown businesses and county facilities, and the project is intended to reduce disruptions, improve reliability, and protect public facilities.

During roll call, councilors approved the task order by voice/roll call vote.