Downtown sidewalks getting improvements

Sidewalks in the downtown historical district will soon get some much-needed repairs.

The city of Fort Scott is one month away from beginning work on a five-year sidewalk improvement program which will replace a number of sidewalks around town.

"I'm excited about the program," Fort Scott City Manager Joe Turner said. "I think the citizens are going to be very surprised in a few years."

According to Turner, the program is estimated to cost $100,000 per year, which will be paid for with the same General Obligation Bonds used to fund the five-year street improvement program.

Turner said the sidewalks in the downtown historical district were chosen first to complete the Downtown Streetscape Project before moving to other areas of town.

"I'm planning on staying in the downtown district and kind of finishing up the details," Turner said.

Sidewalks slated for improvements in 2009 include:

* West side of North National Avenue from Oak Street to Pine Street

* West side of North National Avenue from Wall Street to Oak Street

* North side of Wall Street from National Avenue to Main Street

* South side of Wall Street from Main Street to Scott Avenue

* South side of Wall Street from Scott Avenue to State Street

* South side of Wall Street from State Street to U.S. Highway 69

* North side of Wall Street from State Street to U.S. Highway 69

* East side of North National Avenue from Wall Street to Oak Street

Turner said the list of sidewalks for repair will be evaluated on an annual basis, where as the street program is projected for five years. He said the reason for the annual evaluation is due to the increased amount of time it takes staff to evaluate the sidewalks.

"Sidewalks are a little bit harder to evaluate and take a little bit longer," Turner said.

The sidewalk program is about more than appearance -- according to Turner, it is also about the safety of the residents.

"We have sidewalks that have become very uneven and they've become tripping hazards," Turner said.

The contract for the repairs has been awarded to Marbery Concrete Construction, Inc., of Fort Scott. The fact that they are a local company is an added benefit, according to Turner.

"They came in well under the estimate, which was pleasing," Turner said. "They were the low bid by quite a bit."

"Anytime you get a local company to bid on a project, it is good for the city and contractor," Turner added. "That money stays here in town and hopefully rolls over in town."