It’s not uncommon for construction projects to go over budget when work is needed above and beyond the original scope of the contract .  Nevada Irrigation District  Directors have expressed concern about what they called “scope creep,”   when they have been asked to approve costly change orders on projects.   In response to their concerns, NID  Engineering Manager, Gary King, ran a review of 25 major public works projects, totaling $84 Million dollars that NID has completed over the past seven years.

Click here to listen to Gary King

Results found that NID’s cost overrun rate  was 4.4 percent which  is half of the industry standard of 8 to 10 percent.

King attributed the District’s success rate to good design, planning, and anticipation of construction conditions. He says they will continue in that vein on current projects.

Click here to listen to Gary King

King says a fourth project should get started shortly for a new treated water pipe on East Hacienda Drive in South County.

NID Division V Director Nick Wilcox, a member of the board’s Engineering Committee, said King and his staff have taken “a very proactive approach” to keeping costs down, which in turn, helps keep water rates down.  “A job well-done,” he said.

In other business, NID directors:

•  approved the purchase of $136,000 worth of pipe and related products for the Cascade Shores Water System Replacement Project.  NID is midway through a multiyear project to replace the dated and undersized water system installed in the 1960s by the original developers of Cascade Shores.

•  held a retirement presentation for Hydroelectric Maintenance Supervisor James J. “Jim” Ford of Grass Valley, who retires May 2 following a 35-year career with the district.

•  held a retirement presentation for Hydroelectric Dept. Management Assistant Karen Blair of Nevada City who retires June 5 after 14 years with NID.

The next regular meeting of the NID Board of Directors will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the NID Business Center in Grass Valley.  NID board meetings are open to the public.