The project will replace outdated two-inch galvanized water mains with six-inch PVC pipes along streets like West Elm and South Confederate Avenue to improve water service. (Contributed Photo)

From Staff Reports

Tyler officials unveiled a new housing initiative designed to offer shelter and support services for people experiencing homelessness. The city council also approved infrastructure projects aimed at improving the city’s water distribution system.

At its Wednesday meeting, the Tyler City Council approved transferring properties to the East Texas Cares Resource Center, which will manage the day-to-day operations of houses to serve as temporary shelters for families and individuals as the city works to address its growing homeless population.

The houses, at 512 W. 32nd St. and 516 W. 32nd St., will serve as non-congregate shelters, offering temporary housing units or rooms for families and individuals through the East Texas Cares Resource Center.

East Texas Cares Resource Center supports Northeast Texas by providing food security, education, prevention and emergency assistance to the HIV community and those in underserved rural areas.

To use the shelter, individuals must meet the ”qualifying population” criteria established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the American Rescue Plan’s HOME-ARP program.

In addition to housing, East Texas Cares Resource Center will provide meals through its food pantry program, offer a case manager to help residents apply for eligible assistance, support temporary residents in pursuing education and job training and establish agreements to ensure respectful cohabitation and program participation.

East Texas Cares Resources Center can be reached at 903-592-0757.

Water projects

While working to address homelessness in the area, the Tyler City Council is also prioritizing infrastructure improvements, including a water main replacement project.

The council approved an engineering agreement with C.T. Brannon Corporation for $168,550 to design and oversee the construction phase of the 2024-2025 project.

Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) has identified several areas of concern over the years, such as repeated water main failures and breaks. The project will replace more than 10,000 linear feet of pipe, focusing on larger water lines near Plantation Drive and North Palace Avenue. The main areas targeted include:

• Rice Road

• Plantation Drive

• Warwick Drive

• Wimbledon Drive

• West Rieck Road

• North Palace Avenue from West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to West Vance Street

Tyler’s water distribution system spans over 750 miles of water mains, ranging from two to 42 inches, with some pipes dating back to the 1930s. This system is essential for delivering safe, reliable drinking water to residents and wholesale providers.

In 2023, TWU and Halff Associates, Inc. presented a City-Wide Water System Model and Master Plan Study to the City Council, outlining strategies to maintain the existing infrastructure and prepare for future growth.

This new project builds on those efforts, focusing on critical large water main replacements. The design phase is expected to be completed by summer.

Additionally, TWU is moving forward with upgrades to replace 10,000 linear feet of two-inch water mains with six-inch pipes. The council approved a $1.8 million contract with Capps-Capco Construction, Inc. for the project.

“Our goal is to replace outdated water mains throughout the distribution system,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz, P.E. on the city website. “Currently, the city has around nine miles of two-inch galvanized water mains dating back to the 1940s along with countless dead-end mains. The replacements will address known problem areas within the system, saving ratepayers maintenance costs.”

Many of Tyler’s two-inch galvanized water mains date back to the 1940s and have reached the end of their lifespan. The project will replace these old lines with six-inch PVC pipes and improve dead-end mains to ensure safe, high-quality water for residents.

The areas of focus for this project include:

• West Elm Street

• South Confederate Avenue

• South Ross Avenue

• East Elm Street

• East Richards Street

• East Earle Street

• South Clayton Avenue

During the construction, TWU will work closely with the Streets Department to ensure the water main work aligns with street repairs, minimizing disruptions. In 2024, the City Council also approved a contract with Elledge Engineering for design and construction phase services for these water main improvements.