Road Repair

Citation:       FEMA-1577-DR-CA; Los Angeles County

Cross– 
Reference:   Eligible work; Reasonable Costs

Summary:    Winter storms between December 27, 2004, and January 11, 2005, resulted in slope movements, with attendant damage to adjacent pavement on Encina Road at two locations.  To address the repairs at the two locations, FEMA prepared Project Worksheet (PW) 3048 in August 2005 for $182,009, and PW 3048-1 was prepared in September 2005 for $138,239, for a total project cost of $320,248.  A slope failure at Site 1 resulted in a pavement collapse over a length of 60 feet, along with damage to sections of asphalt curb.  The scope of work for permanent repairs to Site 1 calls for a soldier pile wall consisting of steel sections encased in concrete, with pre-cast concrete panels between soldier piles, restoration of integral ground, and repairs to the asphalt pavement and curb.  Damage at Site 2, located about 300 feet east of Site 1, consisted of a slope failure that resulted in pavement damage over a length of 33 feet, as well as tension cracks in the asphalt curb.  The scope of work for permanent repairs at Site 2 calls for construction of a 58 foot long retaining wall of timber lagging between steel soldier piles, restoration of integral ground, and repairs to the asphalt pavement and curb.  Los Angeles County (Applicant) is requesting that FEMA approve a scope of work modification to allow for a reduction in the soldier pile spacing from 8 feet to 6 feet on centers at Site 1, with attendant changes required by the design.  The Applicant is requesting additional funding in the amount of $216,223 for Site 1, for a total project cost of $536,471.

Issues:          1. Should the scope of work be revised to reduce the soldier pile spacing for the wall at Site 1 from 8 feet to 6 feet on centers? 

                       2. Should the cost be increased by $216,223, as requested by the Applicant, to cover the costs associated with the requested change to the scope of work?

Findings:     1. Yes, information provided in the appeal does support the Applicant’s request to reduce the soldier pile spacing for the wall from 8 feet to 6 feet on centers. 

                       2. No, the Applicant failed to provide documentation in support of its request for an increase in project funding in the amount of $216,223.  The issue of an increase in funding for the project will need to be addressed by the Applicant at project closeout.

Rationale:      44 CFR §206.223(a), General Work Eligibility; OMB Circular A-87 §C.1.a.