First step in proposed U.S. 81 repairs underway

The first step in the proposed repair work on 81 Highway at the south side of town is underway.
"We're going to remove pavement and repair Highway 81 at the south city limits to 500 feet north of College Drive," said Ron Copple, Concordia's Director of Public Works.
The first step in the process is to select an engineering firm to do the design work. The competing companies put together company portfolios for review.
"We had volunteers review each firm's qualifications and rank them based on the selection criteria provided," Copple said.
The selection criteria included: the ability of the firm to perform the desired services within the time prescribed; past performance of the firm; the firm's familiarity with the area; and the firm's experience with similar work and knowledge of Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) project procedure. Locally-based Campbell & Johnson Engineers is one of the competing firms.
The recommendations will be passed on to KDOT. KDOT will then issue a three-way agreement between themselves, the city of Concordia, and the approved engineering firm. The Concordia city commission has already approved moving forward on an agreement with KDOT.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be approximately $800,000. KDOT will pay 90% of the cost, and the city of Concordia is responsible for 10%.
The project is scheduled to begin in 2021.