The original headworks facilities at  the City of Grand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) were constructed in the mid-1960s as part of the original WWTP construction.  Some upgrades occurred, however the facilities remained, in large part, as they were originally constructed and were nearing the end of their useful life.

In accordance with Black & Veatch's professional services agreement with the City, alternatives were developed and evaluated to improve the headworks facilities, including influent screening, pumping, flow measurement, grit removal, and flow distribution.   The alternatives focused on cost-effective solutions to meet future peak flow requirements while replacing or rehabilitating existing facilities suitable for continued use and ample redundancy to facilitate future maintenance of the pump station components.  In addition, all alternatives included provisions for odor control and were coordinated with interceptor sewer alignment studies and improvements being developed concurrently with the WWTP improvements.

Garney Companies, Inc. of Gardner, Kansas was awarded the $16,993,000 construction contract on May 14, 2013, with final completion in October 2015.  Total project costs, including engineering and miscellaneous costs was $19,892,895.10.