Although bids for major sidewalk repair project in Fall River funded by money from a Community Development Block Grant came in over budget, the city is still planning to move ahead with about three quarters of the original project.
The annual federal appropriation budget for the citywide project is $300,000 and the lowest bid was $410,000, according to JR Frey, City Engineer.
The project includes about 175 areas in Fall River that need repairs of sidewalks in areas that are primarily in residential and low-income areas. These repairs need to meet the criteria and standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and curb ramps that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Frey said the city is now working with LAL Construction Co., based in Fall River, to reduce the scope of the project so it comes within budget. He added that the city is looking forward to making great improvements in the areas where the repairs will be able to take place. The administration in the city considers this project to be part of an overall initiative to improve the city’s infrastructure.
Poster printing companies can be hired to create items that can be displayed in key locations in the city so residents in the areas slated for sidewalk repairs will know what to anticipate when construction begins.
