Construction Costs of Plum's New Public Works Facility to be 'Under Budget'

If all works out as planned, the Plum Public Works Department can begin working out of a new facility in the fall.

On Monday, is expected to award about $7 million worth of contracts for the construction and relocation of the public works department from New Texas Road to borough property located between Renton Road and Old Leechburg Road. The work is part of Phase One of the Plum Borough Municipal Center project.

The project includes the construction of a public works building, a facility to store winter salt and storage space.

Assistant Borough Manager Greg Bachy said the project costs came in at about $500,000 less than what administration had estimated two years ago.

The total amount budgeted for the project—$8.7 million—includes a $700,000 contingency fund in case of an emergency or unexpected costs, and $1 million for fees and services.

In January, the from the Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin the project—18 months after applying for it.

Councilman Keith Nowalk said he's happy the project is coming in under budget so far, despite the permit delay.

"I thought it would blow up because of the delay," he said.

Borough Manager Mike Thomas said the borough staff worked very hard to make sure their estimates would be as accurate as possible.

"We're getting everything we promised would be done and more," he said. "I can't help but stress we accomplished this without adding one penny of additional tax dollars to the community. I'm proud of the staff and the job they did."

Bachy said if all goes as planned, the work should begin in June. It would take a year to finish the project, but the public works crews should be able to use the salt storage area this winter.

Mayor Rich Hrivnak said he's excited about the project.

"Our guys will get the facility they need," he said. "It will met our needs for some time to come."

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