Keene downtown infrastructure project bids $2 million over budget

The lowest bid received was $26.1 million, while another came in at almost $30 million.

Keene's downtown infrastructure project faces a potential financial challenge after receiving two bids that exceed the allocated budget. The city had earmarked $24 million for this significant renovation, yet the lowest bid received was $26.1 million from Casella Construction based in Pittsford, Vermont, while Albanese D&S from Dracut, Massachusetts, submitted a higher bid of $29.8 million.

The bids were opened during a public meeting at City Hall, where various city officials including Mayor Jay Kahn and City Manager Elizabeth Ferland were present. This event marks the third bidding round for the project, which has encountered various delays and challenges over the past year. Reports indicate that the bidding process previously stalled due to the lack of viable proposals, prompting extensions of deadlines. The city had to reinitiate bidding after a late proposal, which violated procurement protocols, was not accepted.

Following the bid openings, the city’s purchasing office will undertake a thorough review to ensure compliance with specifications and requirements for documentation. City officials are hopeful about securing a recommendation to proceed with the lowest bid, contingent on its qualification. There is also discussion about options to negotiate with the bidders to align the costs more closely with the budgeted amount.

As the summer construction season is underway, urgency surrounds the decision-making process. The city council plans to convene a special meeting of the Municipal Services, Facilities and Infrastructure Committee to discuss the implications of these bids and possible next steps. Scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., the meeting will address how to navigate the project’s budget gap.

This infrastructure initiative aims to replace aging water and sewer pipes beneath Main Street, while also introducing street upgrades, including protected bike lanes. The project's first phase is set to commence near Central Square and is part of a broader effort to enhance the urban infrastructure over a three-year timeline.

City officials stress the importance of this undertaking, especially given the deteriorating condition of the existing underground utilities. The bids will soon undergo further calculations and qualification checks, with a public tabulation expected shortly thereafter.