City moves to tackle long overdue road repairs

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the allocation of $464,000 in ARPA funds designated for road improvements within the city. The funds, received in 2021, have faced delays due to issues with the previous engineering firm, which struggled to provide accurate pricing and project commitments. As a result, the city sought new bids, ultimately selecting LJA Engineering to assess the road conditions and determine how best to utilize the available funds.

The newly created list of city roads, compiled in June 2024, includes detailed assessments of each road's condition, linear footage, and associated costs for repairs or complete overhauls. Notably, the most urgent repairs are needed on First Street, estimated at $693,000, while 13th Street requires approximately $283,000 for its restoration.

City officials expressed urgency in moving forward with the project, emphasizing that the ARPA funds must be obligated by the end of 2026. They acknowledged that while other ARPA allocations have been spent on various city needs, road repairs remain a pressing issue. Discussions also touched on the potential for Economic Development Corporation (EDC) funds to supplement the ARPA allocation, particularly for roads like Bain Street, which has significant commercial properties.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the engineering services contract with LJA Engineering, marking a critical step toward addressing the city's road infrastructure challenges.