NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hurricane Protection Office recently awarded two storm proofing contracts for pump stations in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. The storm proofing work will allow the pump stations to remain operable during and immediately following tropical storm and high water events to support interior drainage and ensure public safety.
“These are the last planned storm proofing contracts to be awarded,” said John Ashley, branch chief for the Existing Pump Stations branch. “Since 2007, the Corps has awarded 23 storm proofing contracts for pump stations in Orleans and Jefferson parishes.”
The Corps awarded a $3.2 million contract to Garner Services, L.L.C., a New Orleans-based service disabled veteran-owned small business, to storm proof Estelle No.1 Pump Station, located on the West Bank of Jefferson Parish just west of the confluence of the Harvey and Algiers canals. The approximately eight-month contract calls for installing rake screen systems; strengthening roofs and walls; installing fencing and gates; automating the trash transfer system; and miscellaneous civil, structural, mechanical and electrical work, as well as some demolition work.
The Corps also awarded a $24.8 million contract to Cycle Construction Company, L.L.C., a Louisiana-based HUBZONE small business, to install two vertical drainage pumps at Pump Station No. 5, located on Florida Avenue just east of the Industrial Canal in the Lower Ninth Ward. The new pumps each will be capable of pumping 300 cubic feet of water per second once complete. Additional work includes installation of a backup generator and auxiliary equipment and site work. Construction will last for about 18 months.
“We will hold a pre-construction kickoff meeting for both projects in the next couple of weeks,” said Ashley. “All storm proofing-related construction will continue until late 2012. If additional contingency funds become available, contracts to further storm proof additional facilities could be awarded in later fiscal years.”
Release no. 11-090