by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“We’ve worked with LTS in the past and have no complaints,” said Sewanee Utility District manager Ben Beavers in support of the recommendation by project engineer Adam Carter with St. John’s Engineering to award a bid for sewer rehabilitation to LTS. “LTS is a good local company,” said SUD Board of Commissioners President Charlie Smith. The commissioners reviewed bids for the sewer rehabilitation project at a July 31 special-called meeting. American Recovery Plan Act (ARAP) grant funding will pay for 85 percent of the sewer rehabilitation work with SUD responsible for 15 percent.

Four contractors bid on the project. “All the bids were very reasonable,” Beavers said, “but there was one clear low bidder who met all the qualifications.” The LTS $1,550,080 bid was more than $100,000 lower than the next closest bid and over $400,000 lower than the highest bid.

SUD will perform most of the inspections. “For ARPA grants SUD will need to sign off as owner, I’ll need to sign off as engineer, and the contractor will have to sign off,” explained Carter. “You’ll need to submit that to the Grant Management System as proof payment is due.”

“I like doing business locally if possible,” said commissioner Donnie McBee in support of the unanimous vote to award the contract to LTS.

Beavers anticipates work will begin in September.