West Union resident and Echo Valley Friendship Trail supporter Frank Olson (standing) addressed the city council and those attending Monday’s regular meeting. The bids for the project are proposed to be opened Thursday, March 21, and after the required approval of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Council is expected to review and potentially approve bids at its Monday, April 1, meeting. (Mike Van Sickle photo)
City prepares for trail bid letting
By Mike Van Sickle
Editor
In preparation for bid letting, Jon Biederman, Fehr Graham Engineering and Environmental branch manager, provided the West Union Council an update on estimated construction costs and funding sources for the Echo Valley Friendship Trail Monday.
Biederman’s latest estimated construction cost is approximately $962,650, with an additional $135,000 in design and engineering expenses. The estimate comes in approximately $116,000 higher than the estimate provided to the council in July 2023.
When asked by councilman Randy Tope for the reason of the increase, Biederman replied one cause is a decrease in in-kind construction due to contractors no longer being involved with the project. With nearly $930,000 in grants, donations, and in-kind labor and equipment, the estimated cost to the City of West Union is approximately $253,660.
Prior to Biederman’s presentation, West Union resident Frank Olson addressed the council and those citizens and city employees attending the meeting. Olson reminded the council that the trail project originated approximately 20 years ago with the creation of the Jensen Trail at Echo Valley State Park. Jensen’s vision included the trail’s expansion and connection to West Union.
After sharing over 900 signatures of people in and outside of the community who support the trail have been collected, Olson noted the project has been discussed at length with, by and previously supported by the West Union City Council.