ALTUS — Two major projects for the Altus Reservoir renovation moved a step closer to completion when the city council awarded bids on a retaining wall and culvert.
The retaining wall project was awarded to Federal Constructors Inc. of Oklahoma City. The low bid by Federal Constructors was $1.49 million. The culvert project was awarded to low-bidder Accell Construction of Claremore for $1.96 million. Accell was the only firm to bid on the project, city records show.
“This helps move the phase one projects nearer to completion,” Altus Mayor Robert Garrison said. “By July, phase one should be done, at least on the east side. The retaining wall will give people someplace to fish from. It’s at a real bad angle right now.”
The retaining wall will allow fishing over a railing into 8 feet deep water and will be located close to the planned fishing pier, city records show.
The entire reservoir renovation is about five years from being complete, the mayor said.
Meanwhile, the culvert project will allow rainwater to move to the south and avoid flood issues, Garrison said. Stormwater will be rerouted from Hoyt Shadid Park to the community center. City officials wrote in a report that the culvert project will make the beach and park area cleaner and reduce erosion and other impacts from the runoff. It will also enhance aquatic habitat in the stream on the south side of the reservoir.
“Anytime we get projects moving the better it is,” the mayor noted. “Both of these projects will be really good when they’re done. We know we’ll have to work at the speed of government. But we want to keep the projects moving forward.”
Recreational upgrades at the reservoir will include new jogging trails, lights, an amphitheater, picnic pavilion and even new sidewalks and trails from within the city to the reservoir.
The reservoir plan calls for water to be circulated from Tom Steed Lake but can also be used as a backup for drinking water.
The reservoir renovation is being funded by money from MAPS II, which voters approved in August 2020.
City officials hope the new reservoir plans will make the area “more friendly” for activities and turn the reservoir into a major recreational hub for Altus and the surrounding area.