Century Takes Step Forward To Repair Gas Leak Under Highway 29

July 22, 2014

Over three years since the problem was first publicly revealed as a potential “major public safety issue”, natural gas continues to leak under Highway 29 in Century.

Monday night, the Century Town Council voted to take out a short term loan, up to 180 days, with United Bank for $678,300 to pay for the project before receiving reimbursement from a USDA program. The loan will cost the town $350 in fees at 2.75 percent in interest.

Back in April, the town awarded a repair contract to R.A.W. Construction, LLC of Tallahassee for $393,500 to repair the problem. The overall repair portion of the project, according to the town’s engineer, was estimated to about $1 million.

About 6,515 feet of 4-inch steel natural gas line was buried beneath the southbound lanes of Highway 29 when the road was widened to four lanes. Now, over 45 years since the almost 1.25 mile long pipe was put into the ground, the town believes the steel is corroding and leaking somewhere between West Highway 4 and McCurdy Street.

In April 2012, Century signed off on a $1.4 million USDA Rural Development loan to cover the cost of replacing the pipe. But, according to town officials, the town received the wrong form from the USDA, and as a result advertised the meetings incorrectly.

That meant heading back to the drawing board and starting the loan process again.

A new 4-inch pipe will be placed on the west side of Highway 29, while a new 2-inch pipe will be installed on the east side of the highway, eliminating the need to install pipes under the road to service natural gas customers. The pipe will be installed where existing easements exist or can be obtained at no cost, otherwise, it will be installed under existing sidewalks.

Two other bids were received on the project — one for $795,700.75 from Utility Service Company  and one for $897,000 from Roberson Excavation, Inc. of Milton.

Pictured above and below: Natural gas is leaking somewhere under Highway 29 in Century. Pictured inset: Century Mayor Freddie McCall signs documents in April 2012 for a $1.401 million USDA Rural Development loan to repair the leaky gas lines. The loan was later invalidated by the USDA due to  an incorrect form.  NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “Century Takes Step Forward To Repair Gas Leak Under Highway 29”

  1. IMHO on July 22nd, 2014 11:30 am

    Major Public Safety Issue…..that’s been going on for two years? I do believe emergency funds are available for such things. Yes, first the jail, now the library!!

  2. Duke of Wawbeek on July 22nd, 2014 7:39 am

    First the jail and Century Next.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News