Contracts awarded for storm proofing in Orleans Parish

Published July 21, 2010

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently awarded two contracts to storm proof five pump stations and the Carrollton Water Treatment and Power Plant in Orleans Parish so that they can remain operable during and immediately following tropical storm events.

The Corps awarded a $16.86 million contract to Keiland Construction, L.L.C, a Louisiana- based minority-owned small business, to storm proof the Carrollton Water Treatment and Power Plant as well as the Old River and New River pump stations. The notice to proceed was issued on July 7 and work will take approximately 17 months to complete.

The Corps also awarded a $10.96 million contract to Benetech, L.L.C., a New Orleans-based, service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, to modify Pump Stations 3, 6 and 20. The notice to proceed is expected to be issued later this week, and work will take approximately 19 months to complete.

Storm proofing measures for both projects consist of reinforcing walls; replacing roofs; strengthening doors, windows, shutters and ventilation systems; elevating the Pump Station 20 generator; and completing miscellaneous electrical and mechanical equipment work.

“This is a great step forward in our continuing efforts to reduce risk in Orleans Parish,” said John Ashley, branch chief for existing pump stations. “We are working closely with our non-Federal partners to complete these projects.”

Release no. 10-045