08/30/2026
INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRESS REPORT
July 2026
Infrastructure, communication, and transparency continue to be priorities for me. Each month, I want our citizens to have a clear understanding of the projects underway, the progress being made, and the work that remains ahead.
The following update summarizes the engineering and infrastructure reports provided for the July reporting period.
WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Water Plant Clarifier No. 1 Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation of Clarifier No. 1 is nearing completion. The substantial completion inspection was conducted on June 23, and work during this reporting period focused on addressing remaining punch-list items, completing the aerial bridge inspection, submitting operation and maintenance manuals, and preparing final record drawings.
The project is expected to proceed toward final inspection, City acceptance, and closeout during August.
Water Plant Clarifier No. 2
Engineering and design work continued on the rehabilitation of Clarifier No. 2. Survey information is being incorporated into the project drawings, preliminary plans are under review, and coordination is underway with electrical and structural engineers.
The equipment manufacturer is also preparing a procurement package for the clarifier’s mechanical components. The next steps include reviewing the preliminary plans with water plant operators and presenting the equipment procurement package to the City.
Water Plant Filter Replacement
Design work continued for the replacement of filters at the water treatment plant. Survey information is being incorporated into the drawings, engineers are reviewing the proposed equipment package, and coordination is underway with electrical, valve, and actuator vendors.
Upcoming work includes evaluating piping and operational improvements, completing preliminary plans, and developing a construction sequence that minimizes disruptions to plant operations.
Chemical Feed Station Improvements
Engineering work also continued on improvements to the water plant’s chemical feed system. The design team is developing preliminary drawings and coordinating with equipment suppliers and the project’s electrical engineer.
The next phase will include comparing equipment proposals, evaluating piping and operational improvements, and completing a preliminary plan set for review.
WASTEWATER AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS
Citywide Sanitary Sewer Study
The City’s comprehensive sanitary sewer system study continues to move forward. Smoke testing, manhole inspections, and systemwide flow monitoring have been completed. The hydraulic model has also been completed, with engineers continuing to analyze different scenarios in support of their findings.
A draft of the final report has been submitted to City staff for review. This report will help identify problem areas, prioritize future sewer improvements, and guide long-term investment in Nederland’s wastewater system.
Westside Wastewater Rehabilitation
Engineering continued on the major Westside Wastewater Rehabilitation Project. During the reporting period, engineers reviewed sewer inspection videos and received artificial-intelligence-assisted condition reports for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 North sewer systems.
Design work is progressing on the Phase 1 and Phase 2 North improvements. The current schedule anticipates Phase 1 bidding later this year. Because of the large amount of sewer footage being evaluated, Phase 2 may be divided into separate north and south construction projects. This could allow multiple contractors to work simultaneously and help complete the overall rehabilitation more efficiently.
Avenue D Sewer Line Replacement
The City received four bids for the replacement of the sewer line along Avenue D between South 20th Street and South 21st Street. King Solution Services submitted the lowest responsive bid at $87,430.50, and the Notice of Award was issued on July 22.
This project will replace the aging six-inch sewer main with a new eight-inch line, replace associated residential service connections, and install a new manhole. These improvements will increase system reliability and help reduce service interruptions and environmental concerns in the project area.
Wastewater Lift Station Rehabilitation
Design work advanced on the rehabilitation of two wastewater lift stations. Engineers worked to finalize pump selections, clarify site conditions, and prepare the 90% design plans.
Following City review, the plans will be finalized for bidding. The current schedule anticipates bidding and contract award later this year, with construction expected to begin afterward.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Centrifuge Replacement
Design and equipment coordination continued for the replacement of the wastewater treatment plant’s centrifuge. Engineers worked with structural and electrical consultants and equipment manufacturers to confirm the equipment layout, controls, piping, electrical requirements, and estimated costs.
The next steps include finalizing the manufacturer’s information, completing the equipment procurement package, and advancing the construction plans.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Assessment
Engineers continued preparing a comprehensive assessment of the wastewater treatment plant. The assessment will document existing conditions, identify needed improvements, provide preliminary cost estimates, address permitting considerations, and recommend how projects should be phased.
The assessment will provide the City with a roadmap for prioritizing future wastewater treatment improvements and planning the necessary capital investments.
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS
Allen Meadows Drainage Improvements
The Allen Meadows project is designed to improve drainage near the cul-de-sac at Avenue N and 17th Street, reduce water levels during intense rainfall, and better protect nearby homes.
During July, engineers met with City staff to review legal comments and discuss the anticipated bidding and construction timeline. Final easement drawings were submitted, and permit and access documentation was provided to Entergy, Flint Hills, and Drainage District No. 7.
The design is complete; however, the City must receive final easement and outside-agency approvals before the project can be advertised for bids.
Shelly Drive Drainage Improvements
The preliminary design plans for the Shelly Drive Drainage Improvement Project are approximately 75% complete, and preliminary easement descriptions have been prepared.
The next step is working with adjacent property owners on the required easements. Once those easements are resolved, the engineer can revise the plans as necessary and complete the final design.
Hardy Avenue Drainage Project
A proposed easement has been prepared for the Hardy Avenue Drainage Project. The City must coordinate with the Catholic Diocese of Beaumont regarding the proposed easement location.
Once an agreement is reached, the engineer expects to prepare the 95% preliminary plan set for review by the City and Drainage District No. 7.
STREET AND PAVEMENT IMPROVEMENTS
Hot-Mix Asphalt Street Project
Surveying and geotechnical work have been completed for the City’s hot-mix asphalt street improvement project. The 95% plan set is also complete, with additional discussion planned regarding Avenue G.
The engineer expects to advance the plans to approximately 98% completion and establish proposed bidding dates.
Concrete Panel Replacement Project
Surveying and the 95% design plans have been completed for the City’s concrete street panel replacement project.
The next step is completing the final plan set and establishing dates for bidding and construction.
STORMWATER QUALITY AND COMPLIANCE
During July, three construction-site stormwater inspections were conducted in Nederland. Inspection notes, photographs, notices, and site information were entered into the City’s stormwater compliance database for inclusion in the 2026 annual report.
Work also continued on public education, stormwater website updates, and online documentation required under the Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit.
MOVING FORWARD
These projects represent important investments in Nederland’s water system, wastewater system, drainage network, streets, and long-term infrastructure reliability. Some are approaching construction or completion, while others remain in the design, permitting, easement, or procurement stages.
Infrastructure work often involves several steps before citizens see construction begin including surveying, engineering, utility coordination, easement acquisition, regulatory review, bidding, and contract approval. Keeping residents informed throughout that process is essential.
I will continue asking questions, monitoring progress, and sharing updates as these projects advance. Infrastructure, communication, and transparency will continue to be priorities for me as we work together to strengthen Nederland and raise the standard for our community.
Jeff Ortiz
Council Member
City of Nederland
