Photo by Paula McCambridge Pictured from left, Councilman Jerry Clay, Councilman Tom O’Malley, Mayor Pro Tem Roberta Fonzi, Councilman Bob Kelley, Mayor Ellen Beraud and Atascadero contractors Leonard Sutherland from Michael Frederick Paving, John Dallaire of A-Jay Excavating, Larry Wysong of Wysong Construction and Blair Kirk of Kirk Construction move forward on construction jobs the city is releasing in an effort to keep contractors working.

The city of Atascadero is launching its version of an economic stimulus package by releasing construction projects for development.

The Atascadero Local Economic Stimulus and Infrastructure Investment Program will bring forward $6 million in budgeted capital improvement projects for competitive bid.

“It’s important that the city of Atascadero take aggressive steps to help get the Atascadero economy rolling again,” said Mayor Ellen Beraud. “Hopefully these publicly funded projects will help promote future private investment in our community. This initiative demonstrates the City Council’s emphasis on economic development.”

Several local contractors and construction workers met with city officials last week to launch the bidding process. They picked up project descriptions and hope to be working soon. Though there is no guarantee that jobs will stay local, that preference was emphasized during the meeting.

“Let’s get it done as smoothly as possible,” said Councilman Bob Kelley. “The intention is to keep jobs in town.”

Contractors agreed.

“I think it’s great,” said John Dallaire of A-Jay Excavating. “I just hope we can keep the work local. I think it’s great to see the city working for the contractors. It’s a great opportunity.”

City Manager Wade McKinney credited acting Public Works Director Geoff English for organizing the project.

“This is great,” he said. “Geoff English has done good work packaging these jobs, which he already had on the drawing board.”

The infrastructure rehabilitation projects scheduled for bid will include road resurfacing projects, drainage improvements, streetscape enhancements and facility renovations, according to a release from the city. The notice to bidders on individual projects was posted on the city’s Web site, www.atascadero.org, beginning March 11.

For more information, call the city of Atascadero Public Works Department at 470-3148.

For the complete article see the 03-18-2009 issue.

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