(KNZA)--Plans for the construction of a new Hiawatha water treatment continue to move forward.

The City Commission Monday evening accepted a bid for the water treatment plant equipment and a proposal to provide geo-technical engineering services for the project.

On the recommendation of the project engineer and city staff, the Commission voted to accept a bid from Layne Christensen Company to supply the plant equipment at a cost of $548,480. The bid was among three received and was under the engineer’s estimate.

The Commission also voted to award the contract for geo-technical engineering services to GSI Engineering, of Lenexa, for a cost of $8,300. Proposals were received from four firms. The company will explore the subsurface conditions at the project site by drilling a total of 13 borings and submit a report with their recommendations.

The city plans to build a new water treatment plant on property about two miles north of Hiawatha to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in its water supply.