Site work for a water / sewer project in Homer, Alaska. Conceptual plans call for site work for a water / sewer project.

This project replaces an 800-foot section of cast iron water supply line in Homer's water utility system. The pipe, at 57-years-old, is brittle, corroded and on a 52-degree slope, making it extremely susceptible to catastrophic damage during seismic events. This supply line is the only line transmitting water to the west side of Homer. It serves hundreds of customers, South Peninsula Hospital and two schools. Loss of this line, our sole drinking water utility, would have a devastating impact to public health and safety, and fire protection capability. Even short-term water supply disruption (due to serious, but repairable seismic damage to the supply line) has serious consequences. The expedient availability of machinery and spare parts for timely repair during a major disaster and the need to provide emergency drinking water are additional challenges/concerns. Replacing the cast iron pipes with HPDE pipes protects this critical water utility infrastructure from seismic damage, and significantly mitigates potential life, health and public safety losses associated with a major earthquake event. Loss of supply in the area's sole drinking water utility would have a devastating impact on overall public health and safety, fire protection capability and the economy. To mitigate the likelihood of a catastrophic break that would disrupt water supply and smaller ruptures that could compromise water quality, the obsolete cast iron pipe will be replaced with earthquake resilient High Density Polyethylene pipe. The water main is critical infrastructure that assures the life, health and safety of Homer's 5,522 residents and additional residents in surrounding unincorporated areas who rely on the system for delivery of residential and commercial potable water and fire protection services. Demand for water distribution doubles during the summer (June to August), compared to the height of winter (December and January) due to the influx of seasonal residents and a burgeoning tourism industry. The project is included in the City of Homer's 2024-2029 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). As January 11, 2024, information regarding a design firm and the general contractor selection timeline has not been disclosed. A firm construction timeline has not been established. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.