By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Salina Commissioners have approved a bid on water main replacement projects for selected neighborhoods.
Commissioners voted 2-1 (Mayor Mike Hoppock recused) for Diehl Enterprises Inc. to conduct the water main replacement projects for Dover Drive, Larson Street, 10th and 11th Streets.
The amount of the project is listed as $2,059,778 with a $102,989 (5%) construction contingency for a total project authorization not to exceed $2,162,767.
The substantial completion day range is 365 days, and the final completion is listed as 395 days.
Other bids included:
- Nowak Construction Co., Inc., $2,304,572 | Substantial Completion: 335 days; Final Completion: 365 days
- Smoky Hill, LLC, $2,467,215 | Substantial Completion: 500 days; Final Completion: 560 days
- Mies Construction Inc., $3,756,298 | Substantial Completion: 420 days; Final Completion: 450 days
Staten Diehl, president from Diehl Enterprises Inc. said they have done water infrastructure work in the past.
According to Diehl, they recently fixed a water main service line by 9th Street and I-70 in Salina. He added that they are working on water line projects by Magnolia Hills in Salina and at the new Eisenhower Education Center as of Monday.
Moreover, Diehl said they have done water main replacements in the city of Concordia.
He also addressed the public and the city commission about the work they have done in the past.
"I have throughout my whole career of life done replacement of lines. I have worked with the railroad for 20 years. We faced about every terrain...we have worked on utilities around the Union Pacific Railroad throughout my life. I have been in this town my whole life, working through service lines."
Diehl continued to address the public, as he said there have been "accusations" on if he and his company could execute this type of project.
"They should know more about me, as much as they follow me around town," he said.
Diehl Enterprises is known to be approved by the city commission to conduct many projects, such as the log jam and the former Ambassador Hotel demolition.
The project should begin late September or early October.
Below you will find a map of the proposed project:
