Council to consider $3.47 million Ann Street reconstruction contract

After a collaborative process with both the City Council and Mobile County, Mayor Sandy Stimpson has submitted a $3.47 million road contract to the council to begin a total reconstruction of Ann Street from Arlington Street to Douglas Street.

The Administration asks the City Council to review and consider this contract during Tuesday’s council meeting so work can begin as soon as possible.

“Because it impacts every citizen in the City, we must execute year one of our Capital Improvement Plan effectively and efficiently,” Stimpson said. “Drivers and cyclists need smooth roads to travel safely through Mobile. By undertaking this reconstruction project, we are setting into motion much-needed repairs to fix what has been broken for decades in our City. I am grateful to the City Council for their collaboration and commitment to dedicate funding resources to these critical projects.”

The project includes a complete drainage and street rehabilitation that will address storm drains, water, sewer, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and other utilities. Power line and communication line relocations are already underway, but physical roadway work is tentatively scheduled to begin this summer. The remaining sections of Ann Street have already been designed and are awaiting funding.

The proposal awards the contract to John G. Walton Construction., Inc. and upon City Council passage a notice to proceed will be given to the contractor to begin work.

“Ann Street was a priority of mine when I was first appointed city councilman in 2012,” Councilman C.J. Small said. “Currently, we have completed the first of three phases of Ann Street, in District 3. $3.4 million has been allocated to the construction of the second phase of Ann Street, in District 3. I would project that the second phase should begin sometime this summer.

“This proposed project should take about 1 year to complete. We are looking for ways and resources to start the third phase,” he added. “Once all three phases are complete, the citizens of District 3 will be proud of this project.”

Contracts were awarded to the most qualified, lowest bidder as part of the most comprehensive, inclusive procurement process to date. During the course of the bid solicitation, the administration informed as many qualified businesses as possible via email, phone calls, speaking engagements and during Mobile Chamber Growth Alliance Task Force meetings. The City also hosted its very first Industry Day, Vendor Town Hall, Business Resource Fair and a pre-bid meeting for all interested contractors.

The City now has an online vendor registration and vendor information portal that will allow the vendors to receive bid solicitations, update information, view payments and other performances.