Summary
The City of Ithaca (“City”) is requesting proposals from qualified engineering firms to provide consulting services for a design and bid project to rehabilitate the City of Ithaca drinking water dam. The work will include grants management for a previously awarded FEMA grant of approximately $5.5M, design and bid for dam safety surface improvements, rock anchoring, sluice drain rehabilitation, a new gatehouse, a new intake structure, and associated dredging and silt management for approximately 200,000 CY of material. This document outlines the necessary scope of work. Written proposals will be accepted until August 22, 2025, at 5:00 PM and shall be directed to Scott Gibson, Assistant DPW Superintendent, 510 First Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.
*An email reply will be sent confirming the City’s receipt of the proposal. Please contact the City if you do not receive a confirmation email within two business days.
Background & Scope of Work
In 2015, the City of Ithaca contracted for design services to rehabilitate its 1911 60’ high potable water dam along Sixmile Creek. The plan was based on deficiencies highlighted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Dam Safety Division who focused on specific improvements necessary to meet compliance. Designs were completed, a project budget was prepared, and the City contemplated funding resources that were never obtained. In October 2024, the City applied for an infrastructure grant through FEMA and was recently awarded funding under a high hazard dam safety commitment for approximately $5.5M. We are now looking for a consultant to assist us in carrying this project forward to complete the necessary repairs. Specifically, the select candidate should:
• Using existing project drawings*, develop an updated cost evaluation, assessment, and estimate for to assist in additional City of Ithaca funding.
• Develop design drawings and bid specifications for various dam safety improvements including:
• Rock anchoring
• Dam gunnite surface repair
• A new gate house with valve and operating appurtenance improvements
• Restoration of the dam sluice gate (drain)
• A new multi-level intake structure
• Provide and manage all necessary environmental stream permitting
• Provide a dredging and sediment management plan for approximately 200,000 CY of material.
• Provide grants management services for the $5.5M FEMA award.
• Provide opportunities and applications for additional funding streams as they become available.
Duration
Although the project is anticipated to take several years to complete, FEMA funding must be expended no later than September 2027 which should be accounted for in future project plans and scheduling opportunities.
