Menu
Light at the end of the tunnel: StreetScape project nears completion with the installation of downtown street lights
By Michael Pommier
The Fort Scott Tribune
The Downtown Streetscape project is nearing completion as the downtown lighting installation begins.
Thursday afternoon marked the beginning of process of installation of the new downtown lighting. The installation is being done by a Shelley Electric, Inc. of Wichita. Projects in which Shelley Electric has been involved in are Cessna CIO Citation Service Center, Lyon County Courthouse, Monarch Cement Plant and the Emporia State University Student Recreation Center.
According to Bunn, Shelley Electric has started setting up the light poles however the bulbs and globes will come later. Bunn also said the speakers from Skubitz Plaza to 2nd St. and the wiring into the new circuit will be coming within the next two weeks.
Bunn said that project is estimated to be complete in 10 days to two weeks depending on the weather's cooperation.
Installation of the street lights means the Downtown Streetscape Project is nearing its completion. The contractors will have a few odds and ends to finish up as well as a final inspection before the project is officially complete.
"This is probably the high point of the project," Fort Scott Director of Economic Development Dale Bunn said.
The Phoenix Committee is in the process of planning a downtown lighting ceremony to celebrate the turning on of the new streetlights. Ideas for the ceremony as of now are to invite politicians and a representative of the downtown business community. Also being planned is a key note speaker to be Gov. Sebelius or a senator.
The goal for the ceremony is to let the community know that downtown is fully operational again.
"The major reason is to let the people know there has been a change downtown," Bunn said. "Come down and enjoy it."
No date has been set for the ceremony. Bunn said the ceremony may be held a few days after the lights have been turned on.