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Article: Time and cost of materials might be right for road work; That's what officials in some cities are saying, but residents, worried about the economy, wonder if now is the right time to seek new assessments. Ultimately, it comes down to the bids.(NEWS)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- February 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: MARIA ELENA BACA; STAFF WRITER
Metro area cities are hoping to have better-than-expected news for assessment-shy residents this year as they piece together their summer road reconstruction plans.
As the municipal bidding process approaches in February and March, several city managers and public works directors said indications are that the combination of a low demand for contractors' time and improved prices for oil -- asphalt's base ingredient -- will mean resurfacing and rebuilding roads could cost from 10 to 20 percent less than in previous years.
"Municipalities are pulling back on the numbers and magnitude of projects, which is ...