SUBJECT
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A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Laredo, Texas, requesting financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board under its Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) - Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) Program; authorizing the filing of an application for financial assistance in an amount not to exceed Seven Hundred Eighty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($782,500.00) for improvements to the City’s waterworks system, including support planning, additional testing and monitoring, and the development of a treatment action plan to address contaminants effectively; designating certain authorized representatives of the City and approving certain professionals; and making certain findings in connection therewith. There is no financial impact as this time.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: N/A
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies): N/A
Summary of alignment:
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On June 1, 2026, City Council authorized the Utilities Department to submit an application for funding through the Texas Water Development Board’s (TWDB) Emerging Contaminants for Small or Disadvantaged Communities (EC-SDC) program. Funds requested will be allocated toward identification of a treatment plant to address contaminated water sources to ensure effective removal of harmful substances and protect public health. If awarded, the grant would cover costs at 100%.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo is undertaking a comprehensive project to address emerging contaminant risks identified in our primary water supply at two water treatment plants, Jefferson WTP and El Pico WTP. Quarterly UCMFR sampling tests conducted in 2023 revealed the presence of Lithium and PFBA contaminants, posing a risk to site groundwater and potential migration to surrounding surface water bodies. The proposed project will support planning, additional testing and monitoring, and the development of a treatment action plan to effectively address these contaminants. The resulting action
plan will identify the most effective treatment options the City should consider for addressing both Lithium and PFBA levels. This project aligns with EC-SDC goals which aim to reduce emerging contaminant exposure by identifying and implementing effective treatment solutions for contaminated drinking water systems.
The project estimated costs are shown below:
|
Basic Engineering Fees |
$483,000 |
|
Special Services Other |
$250,000 |
|
Other - Administration |
$12,000 |
|
Contingency |
$37,500 |
|
Total |
$782,500 |
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
None.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
It is recommended that this request be approved.end
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N/A
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Project financing is structured through the TWDB at 100% grant funded