Street funds sought

The city of Portland may be getting even more help in funding the extension of Lafayette Street.

Portland Mayor Bruce Hosier announced this morning that city officials and officials with The Schneider Corporation are in the process of applying for additional funds to pay for the project. The city already has been granted $740,000 from the Indiana Department of Transportation to help pay for the $1.3 million project, which is expected to begin in 2011.

Hosier told members of the Portland Board of Works that the additional funds, if awarded by INDOT, would be an 80/20 match, with the city paying the 20 percent.

In a related matter, members signed an agreement with INDOT for the Lafayette Street extension project. The agreement states that the city will follow INDOT guidelines for the project and use the $740,000 for the project. The funds originally were awarded to the city in 2003 for the Lincoln Street improvement project. INDOT officials agreed to let the city instead use the grant money for the Lafayette Street project.

The project will extend Lafayette Street west to Industrial Park Drive.

Also today, board members awarded a $5,800 contract to A. Landon Excavating, Portland, to demolish a house located at 901 E. Votaw St.

The house is dilapidated, has been condemned by the Jay County Health Department and is a health hazard, Hosier said after the meeting. In awarding the contract, board members stipulated that the razing would begin within 21 days.

Also submitting bids were: Chuck Samples General Contractor, Celina, Ohio, $5,999; Yardberrry Landscaping Excavating, Anderson, $6,000; R. Davis and Sons, Portland, $8,970; and Martin, Fort Wayne, $12,000.

In other business, board members approved a one-year contract with Kristi Sturtz of Sturtz Public Management Group to serve as a consultant and community developer for the city.

She will be paid $80 per hour, as needed, with her pay not to exceed $30,000.[[In-content Ad]]