The need for more water capacity for Killeen was recognized and documented in the 2009 WCID 1 (District) Master Plan as well as the 2012 City of Killeen Master Plan. Initially the District attempted to purchase capacity through Central Texas Water Supply Corporation or Kempner Water Supply Corporation since both entities have treatment plants on Lake Stillhouse. However, those attempts failed and it was agreed the new capacity should come from a new water plant constructed on Lake Stillhouse Hollow.
The initial plan called for 10 million gallon per day facility to meet Killeen’s needs. However, during the course of planning, the District’s other customers requested capacity in the new plant. Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Bell County WCID 3 and 439 Water Supply Corporation all purchased capacity in the plant and transmission main. A preliminary engineering report was completed which established the budget for the permitting, easement acquisition, engineering and construction of the new water plant and transmission main.
Project Timeline
April 2014- Bonds in the amount of $50,145,000 were issued to fund the project.
July 2017 - District Board approved the award of bid to CSA Construction for $41,000,000 for plant construction.
August 2017-Plant construction began and is on-going with substantial completion expected in the Spring of 2020 and final completion in the Summer of 2020.
Spring 2019-Solicit and approve bids for installation of 10 miles of transmission main to deliver water from the new plant to Chaparral Road near West Trimmier Road with completion expected in the Summer of 2020.
Capacity Interest
|
Entity
|
Capacity (MGD)
|
Debt Allocation
|
|
Killeen
|
10.0
|
$25,895,000
|
|
Copperas Cove
|
2.5
|
$8,670,000
|
|
Harker Heights
|
2.0
|
$6,920,000
|
|
439 WSC
|
1.5
|
$5,210,000
|
|
Bell County WCID 3
|
1.0
|
$3,450,000
|
|
Totals
|
17.0
|
$50,145,000
|
Since plant capacity is fully allocated, a new entity could only be added by purchasing capacity from a current participant or pay for a plant expansion. The plant footprint is such that it can double in capacity on the existing site with an expansion project. The plant will be a WCID 1 asset with capacity interest as shown above. Any proceeds remaining from the bond funds are restricted to: improvements to the District water system, assist with bond reserve requirements, or to pay debt service.