Capital Projects Update

Western Corridor Pipeline:

Trenching for the 60-inch steel pipeline started in December. The trencher started near Interstate 49 just north of the JB Hunt campus and proceeded eastward across South Dixieland Street towards HWY 71. Trenching is expected to start west of Interstate 49 along the north side of HWY 612 in February. The casing pipe for a few of the road crossings has been delivered, and major shipments of the 60-inch diameter steel pipe should start to be strung along the alignment in late February.

Because of the holiday season and winter weather, things have been moving a little slower lately at the pump station. However, there has been some progress on damp proofing and backfilling the concrete trench structure and getting the generator pads constructed. Pipes and other materials are also beginning to arrive at the site in preparation for constructing the concrete slabs in the pump station building.

Western Corridor Pipeline:

Thalle Construction, the contractor for the Western Corridor Pipeline, expects the first major piece of equipment, which is a very large trencher, to arrive in November. The trencher will be used to “pre-trench” rock areas along the route, which will break up the hard rock and make the actual pipe laying process go faster. Large excavators will be used to lay the pipe beginning in early 2024. Manufacturing of the 60”-diameter steel water pipes will begin in November, and pipe deliveries are expected to begin in December.

BWD Solar Park I:

BWD and NextEra met with Carroll Electric Cooperative Corporation (CECC) in October to discuss the interconnection of the solar project. This meeting resulted in a proposed interconnection at CECC’s substation, and CECC is working on a cost estimate for this. NextEra has completed various site studies to enable them to move forward with development of an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) proposal, which is expected in early December. BWD will review the EPC proposal, and if it is acceptable, both parties will execute in early 2024 with construction set to be completed by December 31, 2024.

Things are beginning to really take shape at the site, and construction is progressing according to schedule. Most of the major earthwork for the pump station has been completed, as well as the concrete trench structure that will house the end of the new 60” pipeline. Carroll Electric Cooperative has also mobilized close to the site and begun construction of a new substation that will help power the pump station.

Western Corridor Pipeline:

Thalle Construction, who is the contractor for the Western Corridor Pipeline, has marked the roadway and railway crossings, and most of the clearing is complete. The pipe for the project is scheduled to arrive in November, but Thalle plans to begin trenching some of the rock areas in late summer or early fall to break up the rock and make actual pipe laying activities go faster once pipe lay- ing is underway. The project is being funded with State Revolving Funds (SRF), and two reimbursements have been made by the state for project legal and engineering expenses, as well as some of Crossland’s initial startup costs.

BWD Solar Park I:

BWD and NextEra executed the Build Transfer Agreement (BTA) on June 30, 2023. The BTA establishes the terms and conditions for the development phase of the project, which includes such items as site investigation, permitting, and preliminary design plans. Per the BTA, the development tasks shall be completed before December 31, 2023. After completion of the BTA work, NextEra will use their findings to develop an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreement that includes design and final pricing. BWD will review the EPC, and if it is acceptable, both parties will execute in early 2024.

Construction Manager, Crossland Heavy Contractors, has mobilized, started site work, and installed stormwater pollution prevention measures. They have established their construction office on site and are working on equipment submittals. Long lead items have been ordered and significant construction activities are expected to start this month. The pump station is being funded from BWD’s operations with no financing from outside sources.