Local Calaveras contractor lands big project

Grading and excavating contract for the new jail project.

K.W. Emerson Inc.

of San Andreas

The first major contract was awarded today for the new jail project. The “Phase 1” work involved grading, excavating, and trenching among other things and is a major undertaking to prepare for construction of the new jail that has been long awaited.

County Administrative Officer Jeanne Boyce advised the Board of Supervisors to approve a bid from K.W. Emerson Inc. of San Andreas which was the lowest bidder in a highly competitive field.

Everyone on the Board of Supervisors, the C.A.O. and the project management firm Kitchell Inc. were very happy at the opportunity to award the bid to a local Calaveras County contractor for such a crucial part of the project. The Board approved the motion on a 5-0 vote with all in favor.

Doug Evans of Kitchell mentioned there will be an upcoming pre-bid meeting soon for “Phase 2” of the jail which will be the actual building construction.

We hope to see as many local contractors as possible participating in the bidding process, so please pass this information along to people you may know that are state licensed contractors.

Congratulations again to the K.W. Emerson company for winning the bid in a field of 5 very capable companies with competitive pricing. Being a well known reputable contractor didn’t hurt as was voiced by many in attendance including local Valley Springs resident Marti Crane who recounted a story of the Emerson company helping years ago on a needed project at Valley Springs Elementary School.

Phase 1 of the project is estimated at approximately $850,000.

The new jail project is projected to last through 2012 and hopefully will provide employment opportunities for many struggling local contractors. Please help get the word out about the upcoming “Phase 2” bidding process coming soon.

Photo provided by Sura Nualpradid through freedigitalphotos.net