Work resumes at Titan project

Talk about it

Construction has resumed on the Titan Machinery building despite an impasse on who will provide water service to the operation, according to Robert Thompson, president of C.I. Construction and project manager for the Titan Machinery project.

“We really don’t know where we’re at,” he said. “We’re proceeding on the assumption one or the other will provide water by our early June deadline.”

The area west of Jamestown Regional Medical Center, including the Titan Machinery location, has been the subject of a territorial dispute between the city of Jamestown and Stutsman Rural Water District. Attorneys for the two sides have presented proposals but no face-to-face negotiations have occurred since Jan. 26.

Thompson said crews had installed a water line from the building to the east edge of the Titan property. That allows them to continue with construction of the building and the associated space around the structure.

“We know Rural Water can supply us with water,” he said. “We sized the line for the worst-case scenario as far as water capacity.”

Thompson said the intent is to finish the building and have either the city or Rural Water connect to its line after a decision is reached.

The Jamestown City Council met in executive session Wednesday to discuss the issue with its attorneys. In the open meeting following the executive session, the City Council tabled action on the bids to extend water and sewer lines to the Titan Machinery location.

“I don’t think we’re prepared to make this decision yet,” said Jamestown Mayor Katie Andersen.

The bids for the project expire on March 30. The bid specifications divide the project into three options including a sewer line to Titan, a single water line to Titan or a looped water line to Titan. The city can accept any or all of the options.

Engineers estimated the sewer option could cost about $560,000 with the water options estimated at $400,000 for a single line and $650,000 for a loop.

At this time, there are no joint negotiations between Stutsman Rural Water District and the city of Jamestown scheduled.

“Hopefully they work out who hooks up to our pipe,” Thompson said. “I’m confident they can get it done.”

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news, water