SUBJECT
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Consideration to select and negotiate a professional consulting services contract with Natural Systems Utilities for a feasibility study for the Community Water and Energy Resource Center (CWERC). The CWERC is an innovative, neighborhood-scale wastewater treatment facility designed to transform locally generated waste into renewable energy, reclaimed water, and compost for the Utilities Department. The feasibility study will include financial, technical, and operational assessments of establishing the CWERC facility.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies): Water Management Goal 6.5; Policy 6.5.1, 6.5.2, 6.5.3
Summary of alignment: The CWERC directly supports Policy 6.5.1 by exploring cost-effective and innovative technologies to reclaim water and expand capacity. It partially advances Policy 6.5.2, as the project demonstrates reclamation practices that can inform and incentivize broader policy development for water conveyance and reuse. While it does not specifically implement the reuse of effluent for Lake Casa Blanca as outlined in Policy 6.5.3, CWERC contributes indirectly by reducing reliance on the Rio Grande through localized wastewater reuse.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
N/A
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo Utilities Department issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional consulting services to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed CWERC. The RFP was publicly advertised and posted in accordance with the City’s procurement policies. Funding is available through the NADBank grant allocation, the Rio Grande International Study Center (RGISC) and the Utilities Department.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
It is recommended that the contract be awarded
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025
Budgeted Y/N?: N/A
Source of Funds: Waterworks System Fund
Account #: 557-4113-533.55-26
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Financial Impact at this time.