Engineering updates discussed at Bonifay Council meeting

HANNAH COLLINS | The Advertiser

Jon Udochi, a representative from Melvin Engineering, provided key updates on several projects aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure at the latest Bonifay City Council meeting, February 18.

Udochi announced Melvin Engineering has received the land agreement back from Florida Commerce for a Rural Infrastructure Grant that will fund the replacement of culverts in downtown Bonifay to address ongoing flooding issues. With plans already drawn up, Melvin Engineering sought and received city council approval to proceed with bidding for the project next month. Construction on the culverts is expected to begin before the end of the year.

Additionally, a preconstruction meeting was held with the contractor selected for the Stormwater Park project. The contractor is ready to proceed, with a formal notice to begin work scheduled for late March. Submittals for construction materials are under review to ensure they align with the project’s design. A tentative groundbreaking date has been set for March 24th.

The city will also soon begin upgrades in Lafie, funded by another Rural Infrastructure Grant. This wastewater project aims to improve the city’s water management system.

Finally, Udochi briefed the council on the latest cycle of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), recommending that Bonifay apply for funding even if a specific project has not yet been identified. Notably, Udochi informed the council that previous restrictions on CDBG applications have been waived, meaning the city can apply regardless of how many grants it currently has. “There is a higher probability, this time, of a project going through.” Udochi stated. 

However, Mayor Larry Cook stated that the council wishes to have a discussion regarding the CDBG before applying for any grants, and therefore, no immediate action was taken. The council will revisit the CDBG discussion at their March 3rd meeting after convening with Udochi.

With multiple projects set to launch in the coming months, Bonifay residents can expect infrastructure work throughout the city.