CEDAR CITY — Southern Utah University partnered with Cedar City on its planned storm drain system upgrade near Thunderbird Way to mitigate flood-related issues as mountain snow melts and the monsoon season approaches.
The new storm drain system will be installed under 800 West to reduce flood risk to the campus and surrounding areas, SUU Senior Managing Director Ben Johnson said at Wednesday’s Cedar City Council meeting.
Workers will excavate approximately 17,600 square feet of road, beginning on 200 North. It will connect to a completed portion near the recently constructed Bristlecone Hall and conclude alongside SUU on Thunderbird Way.
The project is expected to cost over $2 million with state-provided funds and a $200,000 contribution from the city, Johnson said. Additionally, because the system will follow Cedar City’s master plan and connect to municipal lines, the estimated benefit to the community is over $1 million.
Road excavation is expected to begin soon, as Johnson said they wanted “to start last week.” He did not share a specific beginning or end date for the project.
“We’re hoping to go as quickly as possible,” he said.
SUU needed a 14-day permit requiring that excavations are closed within two weeks and a second permit ensuring they will fix any road repairs that fail during the following 18 months, City Manager Paul Bittmenn said.
The permits typically require a cash bond, which Bittmenn told Cedar City News would have cost over $70,000 for this project.
However, because SUU and the city have maintained a beneficial partnership for over 125 years and the organization is considered stable, they can utilize an existing program requiring a $10,000 bond, Bittmenn said. If the agreement’s terms are followed, the money will be refunded with any accrued interest.
SUU hopes to continue working with the city on mutually-beneficial projects, Johnson said.
“We want to make sure we’re good partners,” he said.
The agreement was approved unanimously during a special action meeting that took place immediately following the adjournment of Wednesday’s work meeting.
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