The Marble Falls Eco nomic Development Corporation board recently reviewed nine bids at differing costs and opted to select the lowest bid submitted by one reputable firm for work on the West Innovation Loop construction project.
During the May 6 regular meeting, the seven- member board unanimously selected KC
Engineering to tackle the project at a cost not to exceed $840,000.
"Actually, that (figure) is under the budget we allowed for it (the West Loop project)," EDC President Steve Reitz said.
Harmony Park
As the meeting continued, the board selected Revival Landscape & Irrigation to install artificial turf and other improvements at Harmony Park near Main and Third streets at the cost of $90,730.
EDC board member John Packer (also the Marble Falls Mayor) indicated the turf is needed to endure heavy rain, ensure the comfort of pedestrians who stroll through the area and accommodate large crowds of customers who visit the park during the weekly Farmer’s Market.
“There is a huge mud hole there now,” Parker said.
Parks Plan
Also, at the cost of no more than $40,750, the board approved KT Waterfront Construction to provide design and development services related to the city parks master plan.
KT Waterfront is an experienced engineering firm, acquainted with the “design build theory of construction” and “value engineering,” Reitz said.
“It is nice to have somebody who does this kind of work every day, all day, specifically in this (Highland Lakes) area,” Reitz added.
During her report, Downtown and Marketing Manager Erin Burks told the board recent sidewalk improvements along Third Street one block west of Main Street “look phenomenal.”
Business owners in the area “are super happy," Burks said.
More improvements are underway at Avenue H, Second and Fourth Street, she added.
Downtown continues to be an attractive magnet for visitors, she added.
"The frequency of visitors is going up dramatically," Burks said.
“We see more people coming to the (downtown) district multiple times, to listen to music or to just hang out.”
Before the meeting ended, the board:
• Approved an administrative services agreement between the EDC and the city of Marble Falls; and
• Approved the eventual formation of a charitable foundation to support economic development, community promotion and public purpose projects.
