“We think this is a great project,” Lincoln Mayor Lew Watson said.
Jane Reed Ross, landscape architect and project manager for Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc., said four bids were submitted for the project.
“The apparent low bidder is Clark Associates, of Attalla, AL, with a bid of $177,188,” she said.
Other bids included Cheaha Construction, of Munford, with a bid of $199,522.43, Northwest Building Supply and Equipment Rental, of Hamilton, AL, with a bid of $193,556, and Southeastern Sealcoatings, of Birmingham, with a bid of $245,410.80.
“The low bid is in the neighborhood of what we projected,” she said.
Ross said in 2007, the City of Lincoln was awarded a $150,000 transportation enhancement fund grant. The Federal share is 80 percent, with a 20 percent city match.
“The streetscape improvements and park development occur on McClain Avenue and James Avenue between Magnolia and McCarthy streets,” she said. “The work includes sidewalk renovation, pedestrian street lights, shade trees islands in the parking areas, paving of streets, and landscaping.”
Ross said the project covers roughly one city block.
“The property between the two avenues will have the grades smoothed to gentle slopes, grassed and tree plantings for the creation of a half-acre town green or park,” she said. “A brick crosswalk will lead from the buildings on McClain Avenue to a central set of steps that connect to the green.”
Ross said the bid price is higher than the grant because the resurfacing of the roads portion of the project was not grant eligible, and the city is paying for that portion of the project.
“Mayor Watson is working on plans for the James Avenue sidewalk to eventually cross the creek to Blue Eye Creek Fishing Trail that will feature fishing stations along the water’s edge, a terraced seating area and pavilion,” she said. “The projects will improve the quality of life for these spaces functionally, aesthetically, preserve the historical heritage of the area, as well as add additional green parks.”
Ross said the bids must be checked by the Alabama Department of Transportation before they can be awarded.
“Once ALDOT gives its concurrence, the city must okay the project then we will notify the low bidder and draw up the contract,” she said.
Ross said the project is expected to be awarded in the next few weeks, with construction beginning shortly after that.
“The contractor will have 90 days to complete the project from the construction start date,” she said.
Watson said he is pleased to see the project moving forward.
“The fishing station is not part of the grant, but we want to add it to the downtown area,” he said. “More details will follow soon on that project.”
Watson said the city hopes to award the project shortly, so construction can begin.
“This is really a plus for Lincoln,” he said. “We are so pleased to see it happen.”
