Council awards $2.93 million contract to replace River Village boardwalk
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Summary
Morganton awarded Wilkie Construction a $2,793,389 low bid (plus a 5% contingency totaling $2,933,389) to replace the River Village boardwalk with concrete foundations, helical piles and plastic‑lumber decking; council approved the contract and a budget amendment, noting $1 million in state grant funding and pursuit of FEMA support.
The Morganton City Council voted Feb. 9 to award a $2,933,389 contract — including a $140,000 contingency — to Wilkie Construction Company Southeast LLC for the River Village boardwalk replacement project.
Staff described the project as vital to the greenway system and river‑corridor revitalization, explaining the work will include helical piles, reinforced concrete retaining walls and abutments, plastic‑lumber joists, decking and railings, welded wire mesh panels for railing, erosion control, lighting, benches, bike racks and bollards. The material selection aims to increase resilience to flooding and reduce long‑term maintenance compared with wood.
Staff reported three responsive bids and recommended the low, responsible bidder. The council approved the award and a companion budget amendment to set up funding for the project. Staff said the city received $1,000,000 from the North Carolina Department of Commerce small business grant program and will pursue FEMA funding for the remainder of the cost.
Council members asked about the plastic‑lumber decking’s slip resistance; staff said the specified material has a textured surface meant to reduce slipperiness and that the design and warranties were vetted by engineers.
Next steps: staff will schedule a preconstruction meeting, confirm lead times for plastic lumber and helical‑pile contractors, and provide an updated construction schedule.