State increases Main Street funding

But grant for road reconstruction to be distributed over two years

Paying for the Village of Belgium’s Main Street reconstruction project just got a little easier.

And a little more complex.

A state grant was originally to provide 80% of the funds for the project, initially estimated to total about $4.2 million.

That left the village and Ozaukee County to split the remaining costs evenly, each paying 10%.

The most recent project cost estimate, however, reached $6.9 million. The state initially agreed to increase its contribution but not enough to reach 80% of the updated estimate.

The state Department of Transportation has since agreed to re-establish paying 80% of the project.

Funding, however, is available in two different fiscal years, meaning the reconstruction project would have to be split over 2017 and 2018, instead of being done in one year.

The village’s Main Street/Public Works Committee was to discuss the updated information on Wednesday, March 30.

The reconstruction project includes redoing Main Street from the west village limits to Highway LL.

At a public information meeting March 16, parking was a sticking point with residents. Parking will not be allowed on both sides of the street along the entire road like it is now.

From the west village limits to Elevator Lane, parking would be allowed on the north side of the street only. From Elevator Lane to Oak Street, parking would be allowed on both sides of the street. Between Oak and Lar Ann streets, parking would be on the north side only. No parking would be allowed on a one-block stretch from Lar Ann to Highway LL.

Parking would be limited to accommodate the addition of a five-foot bike lane, required because the project is partly being paid for with federal funds, said Tom Lanser, project manager for Gremmer and Associates, the project engineer.

The $6.9 million estimate does not include storm laterals or burying utility lines. The estimate includes standard lighting and asphalt pavement, but the village would have to pay the difference for upgraded lights and concrete.

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Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

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