http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-984035.mp3
Macomb, IL – Macomb now knows how much it will cost to convert a former factory into a vehicle maintenance center for McDonough County Public Transportation.
Bids for the renovation project were opened Monday afternoon. Three firms offered proposals. The low bid of $10.5 million was made by Laverdiere Construction of Macomb.
"The bid alternates are not necessary and the deducts are not necessary because the lump sum bid came in well below budget," said Gary Ziegler, Director of McDonough County Public Transportation.
Ziegler recommended the city council accept the bid at its September 6 meeting. The Illinois Department of Transportation will also need to approve the bid before work can begin.
Third Ward Alderman Lou Gilbert believes the project will boost the local economy.
"This is a tremendous shot in the arm. Gary worked awful hard for this for a long time," Gilbert said.
Ziegler responded by pointing out that a lot of people worked on it.
Ziegler said the project will not cost the city a single dime. He said the city has received eight state and federal grants over the years, totaling $14.8 million, for site acquisition and building renovations. He said $12.6 million remains to pay for the construction and possible change orders.
Even though the project came in under budget, former city council candidate Jim Von Kannon questioned the expense. He said local taxpayers are helping foot the bill.
"I pay state and federal money also into the thing and you do too. This is not all free money. There is a little drab of it that's mine and yours and everybody else's," Von Kannon said.
Fifth Ward Alderman Dave Dorsett pointed out MCPT and the city did their jobs by bringing some of that state and federal money back to western Illinois.
"Those dollars are going to be spent somewhere," Dorsett said. "If we refused it, it would be spent somewhere else. So I believe we've done our due diligence by bringing it home."