ROME– The apparent low bid for the Enterprise Corner Industrial Park water line exceeds the project’s $3.4 million SPLOST budget by nearly $70,000.

According to the City of Rome, officials opened 13 sealed bids for the major water infrastructure project. TJL Construction of Taylorsville submitted the apparent low bid of $3,469,465.35.

That bid is $69,465.35, or approximately 2 percent, above the amount allocated through the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program.

However, the city has not awarded the contract. The Rome Water and Sewer Department and InSite Engineering must first review the submitted bids.

Construction Costs Push Bids Above Budget

Rome Water and Sewer Director John Boyd said officials expected the bids to exceed the original budget because of rising construction costs.

Since the apparent low bid already exceeds the allocation, all 13 bids came in above the $3.4 million SPLOST budget. In addition, nine bidders submitted proposals exceeding $4 million.

The city’s announcement did not explain how it would cover the difference if officials accept TJL Construction’s bid. It also did not indicate whether the city could adjust the project or seek another funding source.

Three-Mile Water Line Would Serve Industrial Site

The project calls for approximately three miles of 16-inch water line. The line would connect with Rome’s existing water system at Economy Lane and continue to Biddy Road.

Once completed, it would provide water service to the Enterprise Corner Industrial Park north of U.S. Highway 411.

The approximately 200-acre property sits along Bass Ferry Road and was formerly known as the Biddy Farm. The Rome-Floyd County Development Authority purchased the property for just under $4.2 million in SPLOST funds in 2021.

The development authority lists the property for heavy industrial use. It currently markets the land for $60,000 per acre, although any sale remains subject to the authority’s approval.

A Phase I environmental site assessment has also been completed.

Separate Sewer Project Awaits Future Industries

The 2023 SPLOST program includes another $4.5 million for a sewer extension serving Enterprise Corner.

According to the city’s SPLOST project report, engineers have completed surveying, preliminary design work, and geotechnical testing for the sewer project.

However, engineers cannot finalize the size and location of the required lift stations until officials identify specific industrial users. Those facilities must meet the needs of the companies that eventually locate at the park.

Therefore, sewer construction will follow the selection of future industrial users.

State Grant Supports Site Certification

In January, the State of Georgia awarded the Rome-Floyd Development Authority $20,625 toward Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development certification for Enterprise Corner.

The certification project carries a total cost of $27,500.

Georgia uses its GRAD program to identify industrial properties that have completed important planning, environmental, utility, and development-readiness work. State economic-development officials say certified sites help communities compete for manufacturing, logistics, and other major projects.

The water line represents another step toward making Enterprise Corner ready for future employers, jobs, and industrial investment.

Rome has not established a construction timeline for the water project. The city also had not announced a final contract award in its latest published project update.