FPUD to replace Santa Margarita Drive pipeline

Southland Paving, Inc., has been awarded the Fallbrook Public Utility District contract to replace pipeline along Santa Margarita Drive.

FPUD's 5-0 board vote June 19 awarded a $1,052,790 contract to Southland Paving contingent upon the Escondido company meeting all of FPUD's bonding, insurance and other requirements. The work will cover approximately 3,410 feet from Quail Hill Road to Hilbert Drive.

"That's a very old line that we've had a number of leaks on including one that flooded out a house on Christmas Eve several years ago," said FPUD acting general manager Jack Bebee.

The condition of the pipeline made it a priority replacement project for FPUD, and after FPUD staff prepared a design package bids were solicited. Five bids were received ranging from the $1,052,790 Southland Paving amount to a high bid of $1,680,000.

Cass Arrieta, which is headquartered in El Cajon, had the second-lowest bid at $1,119,350. Although only $800,000 had been budgeted for the pipeline replacement, the cost of steel has recently increased by more than 30 percent.