The upcoming renovation of the Laporte Street Historic Footbridge project in Plymouth will need more documentation. That is according to Plymouth City Engineer Rick Gaul who provided that information to the Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members last week.
The downtown landmark is expected to undergo reconstruction with a new bridge deck and railing, repair of the superstructure and substructure, full cleaning and painting of all components, and new ADA accessible approaches.
Gaul said apparently more documentation is needed which he said surprised him and the state project manager as no one expected these were required. He said the city must submit an opportunity for a public hearing, provide photo documentation of the structure before improvements take place, and include an environmental study for the mitigation area needed for the trees near the project.
The city could apply for a grant for the additional cost of $29,200 of which the state would pay 80 percent and the city would pay 20 percent. Nonetheless, the city must have the $29,200 available which would require an additional appropriation. If the city is successful in receiving the grant, which Gaul said looks promising, the additional appropriation would be reimbursed to the proper line item in the budget.
Board member Jeff Houin asked why a public hearing appeared to cost upwards of $18,000. Gaul explained that it would pay for the project engineers to be present at the public hearing to answer questions, to provide visual aids for the hearing, and to notify adjoining land owners and neighbors of the hearing. However, Gaul says INDOT believes it is unlikely a public hearing would occur for the project.
The Plymouth Board of Public Works and Safety members unanimously approved a vote that would move along with process for an additional appropriation.
