County panel approves $1.5 million increase, awards Saluda River Greenway Phase 2 construction

The Richland County Transportation Ad Hoc Committee approved a $1,500,000 increase to the Saluda River Greenway Phase 2 project budget and awarded the projectto the low bidder, Southern Vistas, the committee heard.

The move raises the county—s approved funding for the project to $3,715,679.20, to cover bids, construction contingency and professional services, Director Maloney told the committee. "This project is a project that's a collaboration between Richland County Penny and the Boyd Foundation, through the River Alliance," Maloney said, adding the Boyd Foundation is funding the bridge portion of the work and covered some design costs.

The approved award covers a low construction bid of $3,196,072, a 10% construction contingency and $200,000 for professional services, bringing the total approved authorization to the $3.715 million figure the committee adopted. Committee members voted yes in a roll call; all members present recorded affirmative votes.

The phase 2 route begins where earlier work (phase 1B) ended near the bridge to Boyd Island and follows the Saluda toward the confluence with the Broad River, using boardwalk segments and at-grade trail shown in maps distributed with the agenda packet. Maloney said the project scope includes a large crossing at the Broad River that is being funded and built by the Boyd Foundation while the county is bidding the adjacent trail work.

Committee discussion touched on location and access. Livingston asked for a geographic reference for committee members; Maloney said the work is just past the zoo near the Candy Lane trailhead and goes under CSX railroad and Interstate 126. Maloney said, following award and contract execution, the county would hold a pre-construction meeting with the low bidder and that construction could be completed within about a year, assuming contractor scheduling.

John Livingston, the committee chair, publicly thanked George Bailey of the Boyd Foundation and Mike Dawson of the River Alliance for their roles. "You made a difference here and really appreciate that," Livingston said.

The Transportation Penny Advisory Committee had recommended the fund increase and award at a prior meeting, Maloney said. The committee record shows the action passed by roll call vote with all present voting in favor.

Next steps include contract execution with the low bidder and a pre-construction meeting; staff said a more detailed contractor schedule will be available after that meeting.