Johnson County Wastewater will save nearly $5 million on improvements to an influent pump station at its Mill Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility due to a bid for the project that included an innovative, cost-saving approach.

MegaKC was selected to construct the improvements in a competitive bidding process. It is a local contractor with experience in wastewater construction that has previously been selected for construction contracts with Johnson County Wastewater and other nearby utilities.

Susan Pekarek, General Manager of JCW, said the company used an innovative approach to precast the concrete work for the improvements instead of constructing it onsite, which saved nearly $5 million in costs from the next-highest bidder.

JCW and the county undertake a variety of approaches to ensure local bidders have adequate information to help them prepare and make the best proposals, said Pekarek.

First, the utility brings in prospective bidders for pre-bid meetings and site visits so they can gain greater insight into the project.

Second, JCW lists projects on its integrated plan website so local contractors can get a sense of the kind of work that is available soon.

Pekarek said this kind of savings provides flexibility to help JCW maintain stable rates and address other priority areas in the wastewater system.

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners approved the contract award last week.