Thurston County commissioners on Jan. 7 approved awarding the Gate-Belmore Trail Glacial Heritage Phase 1 construction contract to RLLEA Company of Renton for $1,084,840.

Ben Enfield, senior civil engineer, told the board the project will pave roughly 2.7 miles of trail on a decommissioned railroad grade, creating a 10-foot-wide paved surface for nonmotorized use, and will include a paved access point and parking area with up to 21 stalls. The item is the first phase of a larger Gate-Belmore Trail plan that will eventually connect Grand Mound to Olympia.

Enfield said 16 bids were received; the low responsive bid was RLLEA Company at $1,084,840. Estimated total construction cost including construction management and contract award is $1,500,000; funds will come from real-estate excise tax (REET) and parks impact fees. The board authorized the Public Works director to execute the contract and approve change orders up to 10% of contract value ($108,484), for an aggregate not to exceed $1,193,324.

Commissioners noted the project has been discussed previously and welcomed the start of Phase 1. The motion carried by voice vote.