Planning Phase (Completed January 2003)
CMSWS retained the engineering firm of Woolpert, LLP to perform engineering services related to planning.  The project area was surveyed to provide needed data on the drainage infrastructure and then analyzed to determine the existing condition of the system.  The project team identified areas that needed improvement from field reconnaissance, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and citizen input through the 704-336-RAIN line and a questionnaire sent to all property owners in the project area.

Design Phase (Completed November 2006)
During the design phase, construction drawings for the alternative selected during the planning phase were developed.  Many details were addressed including the determination of specific pipe sizes and alignments, channel widths and lining types, inlet sizes and locations, utility relocations, and easement locations.  The design phase of a project typically lasts 2 to 3 years. 

Permitting Phase (Completed November 2006)
During the permitting phase, the required water quality permits were obtained from Federal and State governments. The permitting phase of a project typically lasts 3 to 9 months. The permitting phase of a project may overlap other phases.

Property Easement/Acquisition (Completed August 2006)
The City's real estate staff worked with citizens and businesses to acquire Storm Drainage Easements (SDEs). The City requests that SDEs be donated to provide access to your property to make the recommended improvements and provide future maintenance. In addition to SDEs, conservation easements, utility easements, and temporary construction easements were required to access work areas. The bid phase began after all easements were acquired. The easement acquisition phase of a project typically lasts 8 to 12 months.

Bid Phase (Completed February 2007)
During the bid phase, the final plans were circulated to qualified contractors for a competitive bidding process.  By state law, the lowest responsible bidder is awarded the construction contract.  The bid phase of a project typically lasts 4 to 5 months.

Construction Phase (Completed March 2008)
Throughout construction, efforts were made to minimize disruption to nearby property owners.  Construction of proposed improvements were supervised by City inspectors.  Notifications of key construction dates were mailed to residents prior to construction.  Because projects vary in size, the typical construction phase of a project can last from 3 months to over 2 years.