The Port Orchard City Council voted July 22 to authorize the mayor to execute a public‑works contract with Active Construction Inc. to build the Sydney Road non‑motorized improvements, a project the city says will improve pedestrian safety near local schools.

Chris Hammer, filling in for Public Works, told the council the project will construct sidewalks, drainage upgrades and pedestrian infrastructure along the Sydney Road corridor and is funded in part by a state grant. "The project is funded through a $1,394,750 award from the Washington State Safe Routes to School Grant accepted by the council back in 10/12/2021," Hammer said.

The nut graf: Staff publicly opened eight bids; Active Construction submitted the lowest responsible, qualified bid and staff recommended awarding the contract. The city must also administer the state grant and execute related agreements.

According to the staff presentation, the city published bid documents June 30 and July 7 and received eight bids by the July 15 deadline. The lowest responsible, responsive bidder was Active Construction Incorporated with a total bid of $2,724,724 including applicable taxes. Councilmember Warden moved to adopt the authorizing resolution; the motion was seconded and the council approved it by voice vote.

Council members noted the contract continues pedestrian upgrades begun last year in front of a middle school and said the project will extend similar improvements toward the grade school and to Hub Dee Road. The mayor noted Active Construction previously built Tremont and said the firm has performed well for the city.

Ending: The council approved the contract; staff will coordinate the project with grant requirements and schedule construction and public outreach as required by state and city contracting rules.