Wisconsin Governor Doyle Announces Over $10 Million in Savings on Bids for Road, Bridge Projects

May 27, 2009 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today announced the bids for the second round of road and bridge projects in Wisconsin funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act came in 11.66% lower than expected for a savings of over $10 million.

”Wisconsin is moving quickly to use federal recovery act funds to invest in projects that add long-term value to communities across the state,” Governor Doyle said. “The competitive bids that we have received for road and bridge projects represent significant savings for our taxpayers. These projects will provide thousands of good-paying jobs this summer for our residents, and improve the quality of life in our state for generations to come.”

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The total engineering estimate for the 38 state and local road and bridge projects let out for bid today was $87,167,221. The low bids submitted totaled $77,010,092. The April 28th bids for the first 26 state and 19 local road and bridge projects in Wisconsin came in 7.2% lower than expected for a savings of $8,910,690.

State law calls for construction contracts to be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will review the bids for completeness and accuracy. Once comprehensive reviews have occurred, Governor Doyle executes and signs the contracts to allow work to begin.

The state intends to get construction activities underway on the state and local projects during this summer construction season.

Studies have shown that every $1 billion invested in highway construction supports approximately 42,000 jobs.

The advertised projects and listing of the as read bid results is posted on the Web at http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/hcci/bid-letting/index.shtm.

Source: Wisconsin Governor