Jacob Dimond / jake@yelmonline.com
Yelm City Council voted 6-1 to approve a $2.23 million construction contract with Active Construction Inc. for the downtown activated alleyway “Fuller Footpath” project, with councilor Tracey Wood serving as the lone “nay” vote against the contract.
The agreement between the City of Yelm and contractor Active Construction Inc. is in the amount of $2,231,231 for the construction of the Fuller Footpath project.
The total project budget — including the previously approved construction management contract with SCJ Alliance in the amount of $426,760.65 — sits at $2,657,991.65, according to Elizabeth Jones, Yelm projects and grants manager.
“The city received six bids for this project,” Jones said. “Following the review of the bids, required documents and contractor qualifications, the city confirmed Active Construction Inc. as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, and recommended award of the contract. SCJ Alliance and USDA Rural Development has also provided its concurrence with a proposed award.”
Jones noted that project funding consists of $1 million in grant funding from USDA Rural Development, which was secured via Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland’s office. Yelm also received a grant valued at $44,620 from Washington State Department of Commerce.
With those grants secured, this leaves the City of Yelm left to fund $1,613,371.65.
“The project is fully funded within this budget,” Jones said. “I also want to emphasize that the Fuller Footpath is a public infrastructure and community space project. It will transform the existing alley into an ADA accessible pedestrian corridor, beginning behind Salon Nouveau, crossing over Second Street and ending at the downtown public parking area.”
Jones added that the project includes undergrounding power distribution and communications lines; replacing the existing water main; constructing a raised intersection, pervious pavers, decorative concrete, and ADA-compliant pedestrian facilities; and installing lighting, seating, and landscaping.
Additionally, the contract provides 85-working days to achieve substantial completion, and 100-working days to “complete the work and be ready for final payment.”
“This phase is intended to support the farmers market, food trucks, community events, seasonal activities and everyday use by residents and visitors,” Jones said. “While nearby businesses may benefit from increased pedestrian activity, the improvements will remain publicly accessible and under city control. Regarding food trucks, the plans include four electrical outlet bollards distributed along the corridor. Two 20-amp bollards are on the western segment between Salon Nouveau and Second Street. Two 30-amp bollards are on the eastern segment between Second Street and the downtown parking area.”
