Mega Ramp bid opening moved to Nov. 19

STAFF REPORT editor@fgazette.com

FARMERVILLE — The public bid opening for the Lake D’Arbonne Mega Ramp has been moved from Nov. 5 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, according to the project engineer, Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix & Hixson. The engineer’s current bid listing gives no reason for the postponement.

The engineer lists a construction estimate starting at $6 million. The actual cost will depend on the bids and the work ultimately awarded. The bid opening will give the town its first public look at what contractors would charge for the advertised work.

State capital-outlay records list $4.185 million in appropriations for planning and construction, including $2 million in Priority 1 and $2.185 million in Priority 5. The state recorded a cash line of credit for the Priority 1 portion and a noncash line of credit for the Priority 5 portion.

The engineer’s starting estimate exceeds the listed appropriation by $1.815 million. The amount the town would need to cover from other sources will depend on the bids, the scope of the award and how much state funding becomes available.

The town purchased just over 7.5 acres on the lake’s north shore for $250,000 and received another

3.4 acres by donation, the Gazette previously reported. The Gazette could not verify whether the Lake D’Arbonne commission was consulted before the town selected the site or whether the commission formally recommended another location.

The bid listing gives an opening date. A contract award and construction start date remain open.