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Keokuk To Speed Up Grand Avenue Bids

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-913142.mp3

Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk City Council was ready to rebuild Grand Avenue (4th - 15th Streets) earlier this year. The panel's sentiment changed, though, when the construction bids came in much higher than anticipated.

The council decided it would re-bid the project with revised specifications in an attempt to reduce construction costs. A bout of severe weather, this summer, then led to talk of delaying it so flood-damaged roads could be repaired.

Keokuk Water Works General Manager Bill Cole says the city needs to make a decision on the project. He says his organization will not move forward with the installation of a new waterline along Grand Avenue if the city is not going to rebuild the street.

Cole says a line will be laid along the sidewalk. He says properties on the west side of the street will be connected this fall while homes on the east side would be connected after the street is rebuilt.

Cole says the water line would require portions of Grand Avenue to be torn up, so it should not be done if the entire street will not be replaced.

Public Works Director Gerald Moughler says bids for the reconstruction of Grand Avenue could be brought before the Keokuk City Council by September 2. The panel agreed with that timeline after hearing from Cole.

Cole says that deadline would give Keokuk Water Works about three months to install the line. He says the goal is to have the work done in time for sewer and street work to begin in the spring.

Cole says the project will cost about $160,000. That is about $70,000 less than when the water line was included in the full construction bid.

The final construction bids will likely determine whether Grand Avenue is rebuilt next year.