Casa Grande council approves $1.74 million contract to add downtown lighting

The Casa Grande City Council on a unanimous vote approved Resolution 5953 to contract Utility Construction Company Inc. to install additional downtown lighting at a contract value of $1,744,624, with a $53,837 contingency.

City staff said the work combines phases 1 and 2 of a previously adopted three-phase plan developed after a lighting study by Wright Engineering. The project covers portions of Florence Street, Marshall Street, Maricopa, Sacaton and 2nd–4th Streets and is intended to meet Illuminating Engineering Society recommendations for pedestrian and public-safety lighting.

Rob, a city staff presenter, said combining the phases will shorten the overall schedule, reduce costs and minimize repeated disruptions to businesses. He told council the contractor will begin permitting once given notice to proceed and that construction is scheduled to start in October and run through June 2027. Liquidated damages are included in the contract to help ensure schedule adherence.

Council members asked about possible street or lane closures during foundation work; staff said brief lane blockages and temporary disruptions are expected while foundations are poured and that the city will notify businesses in advance to limit impacts. Several council members said they welcomed improved lighting on dark stretches such as Marshall Street.

The resolution authorizes expenditure of public funds and execution of the contract and passed on a roll-call vote.