News release I just got from WSDOT-
Gov. Chris Gregoire and the Washington State Department of Transportation announced that two more Washington Jobs Now projects in Eastern Washington were advertised for private contractor bids today, May 4, with funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).
These two projects are pavement resurfacing jobs – the first is on US 2 from its junction with SR 211 to the City of Newport in Pend Oreille County. The second paving project is located on SR 206 from the US 2 junction just north of Spokane to the intersection of Bruce Road.
“Transportation investments are part of our state’s economic recovery. So we have acted quickly to get our projects moving,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “In addition to their positive economic impact, these projects are investments in the long-term preservation of our highway system.”
The two projects total $8.67 million, and WSDOT estimates that the work will support 85 jobs. Bids will be opened later this month and a contract should be awarded in June. Construction should begin in June or July.
“These are heavily-traveled highway sections in Pend Oreille and Spokane Counties,” said Keith Metcalf, WSDOT Eastern Region Administrator. “The roadways were due to be resurfaced and the ARRA funding makes it possible.”
Washington received $492 million in federal ARRA funds for state highway investments, which included $341 million that will fund 34 state highway projects.