The Covington West and Imperial Woods Drainage Improvement (CIP CDR2201) is a project intended to increase stormwater conveyance and decrease ponding depth and duration within the Covington West and Imperial Woods neighborhoods. Accomplishing this objective requires understanding the limitations and deficiencies of the existing drainage systems that serve the neighborhood and recommending improvements that are both functionally efficient and financially effective. Two previously completed drainage improvement projects in the Covington Woods neighborhood made this project now possible to reduce adverse impact to Covington Woods Ditch. 

The project was one of the 2019 GO Bond drainage projects. In August 2022, the City applied for a $4.1 million no-interest loan from the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) through their Flood Infrastructure Funding Program. In December 2022, the City was informed that the 0% loan was approved for processing. City staff prepared the necessary documents, and the 0% interest loan was closed in May 2023. The City was officially notified of the final approved loan (after loan closing) in June 2023. 

A construction contract with Ballast Paint Construction was approved on November 17, 2023. This agenda item is for the Construction Materials Testing contract with Associated Testing Lab (ATL), Inc.. for the Covington West & Imperial Woods Drainage Improvements Project CDR2201. 

ATL, Inc. has previously performed geotechnical and materials testing work for the City, and staff has negotiated a scope and fee with them to provide material testing services throughout the 300-day construction period of the project. The scope of work includes the following:

• Monitoring and testing of utility backfill & subgrade compaction and treatment
• Concrete inspection and testing for cast-in-place drainage, pavement, driveways 
• Associated material laboratory testing

The funding for the construction administration services is available in the Covington West & Imperial Woods Drainage Improvements Project, CIP CDR2101. The project has an available balance of $426,057 after deduction of costs for the construction contract approved on November 21, 2023. 

The Engineering and Public Works Department recommends the City Council authorize the execution of a construction materials testing contract with Associated Testing Laboratories, Inc. for the Covington West & Imperial Woods Drainage Improvements Project, CIP CDR2201, in the amount of $117,747.00.