Richmond city leaders are prioritizing infrastructure improvements as they move ahead with key projects designed to strengthen utility systems and maintain essential services. Public Works Director Dale Shipp outlined the next steps in upgrading the city’s lift station, which include the purchase of pumps, controls, piping, valves and electrical components. The city previously approved underground electrical installation and conduit work, and the council has now authorized an additional $28,713.88 in equipment purchases. The council set a $34,000 cap to allow for possible extra needs, including a $5,038 concrete vault. “I just didn’t want to come back and go, ‘hey, we need more,’” said Shipp, noting the vault would house check valves and bypass piping. “Right now, if that pump station went down, we don’t have an easy way to connect a mobile pump to it to keep that station pumping,” Shipp explained. These improvements are part of a broader effort to enhance system reliability and…