When it comes to stimulus-funded utility projects, the Town of Smyrna is leading the way in Delaware.
On August 4, Smyrna held a “groundbreaking” for the state’s first stimulus project for water system improvements to be under construction.
This project involves the installation of six new valves along an existing water main running from the Monrovia water tower to Commerce Street. Smyrna awarded the construction for this project to George & Lynch in the amount of $80,585.
Construction was already well underway when town and state officials met last week at the project construction site on Chestnut Street.
“I’m proud to say Smyrna has not only the first project, but also the second and the third, approved last night,” said Smyrna Town Manager Dave Hugg. “We’re doing our part to create jobs and get these projects rolling.”
Smyrna Mayor Pat Stombaugh said the stimulus funding has allowed the town to move forward with necessary projects.
“A lot of things that needed to be done are now moving up the ladder,” Stombaugh said. “We’re thankful for this, and thankful for the jobs created.”
Ryan Flickinger of KCI Technologies, the town’s engineer, said the actual bids for the construction projects are coming in at lower prices than they would under normal circumstances, which speaks to the recession.
“If there’s a time it’s important to keep people busy, it’s now,” he said.
George & Lynch Vice President Dave McGuigan, while gesturing at his construction workers at the site, said the most important part of the construction business is keeping the workers employed.
Through the Delaware Office of Drinking Water, the Town of Smyrna was awarded a stimulus loan for a total of six water projects in town, with a projected cost of about $3.77 million. Under the terms of this loan, about 52 percent of the principal for these projects will be waived upon completion, which would mean about $1.94 million in savings for the town.
Construction bids have now been awarded for three of the six water projects.
At its August 3 meeting, Smyrna Town Council awarded a $276,857 bid to Kent Construction for the town’s third stimulus project – the replacement of old water services at the Glenwood development.
Back on July 6, council awarded its second stimulus project – the replacement of a water main running between Belmont Avenue and Sunnyside Road – to Sprig Construction for $46,306.
In addition to the water projects, the Town of Smyrna was also awarded a low-interest stimulus loan to fund 10 sewer system improvement projects estimated at about $6 million.
