Project Lifecycle Assess & Evaluate Next
What happens during the Assess & Evaluate Phase?
During the Assess and Evaluate Phase, the City inspects its system using various methods. These methods include physical inspection, cameras, SL-RAT technology, and data analysis. Projects in this phase include master plans, hydraulic modeling, planning, assessments, and detailed engineering studies. An in-depth understanding of the system allows the City/Columbia Water to determine which areas are most in need of upgrade and improvement. It also provides a way to determine where to spend capital funds. This phase can take anywhere from several months to several years. The length depends on the complexity of the assessment.
How will this affect my property and/or community?
Assessments of the system often require physical access to the infrastructure. You may see City staff or contractors making inspections at various locations within the system.
How does CW2020 work with the community?
CW2020 provides project location, schedule, and general information.
Public outreach during this phase may include:
Project Lifecycle Prioritize & Select Next
What happens during the Prioritize & Select Phase?
The Prioritize and Select Phase includes two major tasks:
- Prioritizing the projects based upon the completed assessments
- Selecting the engineering consultants and/or contractors needed to complete the project
Projects are typically funded during the City’s annual budget process. Securing services, which includes defining the detailed scope of work, negotiating cost, preparing the required forms, contract and legal review, and City approval, typically takes between 4 and 8 months.
How will this affect my property and/or community?
The community is not directly impacted during this phase.
How does CW2020 work with the community?
The City and CW2020 will provide information on the project and offer the community opportunities to provide input.
Public outreach during this phase may include:
Project Lifecycle Design & Permit Next
What happens during the Design & Permit Phase?
During the Design and Permit Phase, the engineer (either City/Columbia Water staff or a contractor) prepares detailed plans for the project. The engineer also prepares any needed easement plats and applies for and oversees the necessary permits. The design and permitting process for a typical project is between 9 and 18 months. However, this may take longer due to permit approvals or land acquisitions and easements required for the project.
How will this affect my property and/or community?
Staff may be in the community completing inspections, conducting environmental assessments, or performing survey work of the project area. If your property is within the project area, the City or its agents will contact you directly regarding any easements needed.
How does CW2020 work with the community?
CW2020 will provide updates to the project page online and may hold public meetings with the community.
Public outreach during this phase may include:
- Project web pages
- Door hanger notification of work to be performed in the area
- Project flyers
- Community information meetings
Project Lifecycle Construct Next
What happens during the Construct Phase?
The Construct Phase is when the project is physically completed. The selected contractor is responsible for completing the project, and the City is in charge of oversight and inspection. This phase typically takes 6 months to 30 months to complete depending on the size and complexity of the project.
How will this affect my property and/or community?
The City understands that the Construct Phase has the biggest impact on the project area. It is the most visible phase, and once completed, provides immediate benefits to the community. However, project area residents may experience difficulties and inconveniences during this phase.
How does CW2020 work with the community?
CW2020 will provide updates to the project page online and hold community meetings, as needed. The project team understands that construction in your community may be difficult. CW2020 is available to address your concerns during construction.
Public outreach during this phase may include:
Project Lifecycle Operate & Maintain Next
What happens during the Operate & Maintain Phase?
During the Operate and Maintain Phase, the City will operate and maintain the system. Maintenance includes routine measures, such as inspections and cleaning, and emergency maintenance, like repairs and replacements.
How will this affect my property and/or community?
The City will perform routine inspections and complete repairs. The City or its contractors will notify residents if maintenance activities are expected to disrupt public areas.
Public outreach during this phase may include: