LOWER MERION – Lower Merion officials have approved two contracts for upgrades at the Belmont Pumping Station.
The general construction contract, valued at $1.22 million, was awarded to Jurich, Inc., and the electrical construction contract, valued at $194,662, was awarded to Electri-Tech Inc. The contract, along with a separate township equipment bid totaling $526,000, brought the project’s total costs to $1,949,662.
Jake Lambert, assistant director of finance for Lower Merion, outlined the project’s scope and costs. Lambert said the costs are reasonable given the bids the township received and a $1 million state grant, which would reduce the township’s costs.
“This project is to upgrade the Belmont pump station, which is located where Belmont Avenue meets Green Lane,” Lambert said. “This will replace our existing pumps, grit removal system, and related equipment. The contracts that you just mentioned total $1.4 million. In addition to that, $500,000 of equipment will be purchased via co-stars, bringing the total cost of the project to $1,950,000, which is $150,000, or 9%, over our budget.”
According to a memorandum to the commissioners, the building is over 70 years old and in need of upgrades.
“By way of background, Belmont Pumping Station was constructed in 1955 and is located at 113 Belmont Avenue in Bala Cynwyd,” according to township documents. “This station serves the Belmont Drainage Area in the eastern portion of the Township. Due to the age of the three wastewater pumps (at least 33 years old), current operational performance, lack of available replacement parts, and to minimize risk of unscheduled service disruptions, the pumps and associated equipment are to be replaced and upgraded under this project.”
Commissioner Scott Zelov said that the state grant would bring the township’s costs to $950,000.
Lambert added that the low bidders have both done work for Lower Merion in recent history.