The Longmont City Council will review capital projects that have bee…

The Longmont City Council will review capital projects that have been on the back burner because of high construction costs during its study session Tuesday.

In 2020, Longmont voters overwhelmingly supported Ballot Question 3C, which authorized the city to borrow up to $80 million to finance water system improvements, including expanding the Nelson Flanders Water Treatment Plant.

In 2019, an engineering consultant estimated that the Nelson Flanders expansion project would cost $46.7 million to complete. Although just a pre-design estimate, the consultant’s figure ended up being far too low. Today, at 90% design, the water treatment plant expansion project is estimated to cost $93.7 million.

Longmont Water & Waste Department Director Bob Allen said Monday that it isn’t uncommon for pre-design estimates to be incorrect for any number of reasons. However, in this instance, the primary reason for the increase was clear — inflation.

“While we will not finalize solutions to projected budget shortfalls at this meeting, potential solutions may include changes to scope, changes to schedule, or increasing allocated funds to the projected levels,” a council memo stated.

Officials have pointed to the Nelson Flanders Water Treatment Plant expansion project as a prime example of how construction costs have adversely impacted the city’s list of capital projects.

“High demand for construction projects due to the Marshall Fire, grant-funded infrastructure projects, and other local effects means that construction companies can be selective about the projects they undertake,” the memo stated.

In addition to the water treatment plant expansion project, the Council will review the status of remodeling the Safety and Justice Center, improving the Coffman Street busway, replacing the Boston Avenue Bridge, revitalizing the First & Main Transit Station, establishing railroad quiet zones and more during its study session.

Councilwoman Marcia Martin, who is the council liaison to the Water Board, said Monday that replacing the Boston Avenue Bridge, which is part of the Resilient St. Vrain Project, should be prioritized.

The bridge’s replacement project is necessary for it to “safely pass 100-year flood flows,” according to the city’s website.

“We have to put public safety and risk management above … things that just make it nicer to live here,” Martin said.

Tuesday’s City Council study session starts at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 350 Kimbark Street.