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Bids for trailhead in, over estimates
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A bicyclist passes by the future site of a trailhead along the Badger State Trail at 14th Avenue in Monroe Monday. The project, estimated at $160,000, received two bids, both of which exceeded the project estimate. (Times photo: Anthony Wahl)
MONROE - Bids came in over estimates for another city project. This week it was for the trailhead facility on the Badger State Trail, to be built near Twining Park.

Bids were opened Wednesday, July 10, at city hall, with only two companies submitting bids on the project, which was estimated at $160,000. Seven companies had asked for a copy of the proposal.

Fischl Construction Corporation in Verona bid $176,120 for the basic building and the four alternate add-ons. Brandt Construction of Monroe bid $228,600 for the full package.

The Board of Public Works is expected to recommend the winning bid to the council at a meeting at 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 15.

The project is being funded by two DNR grants totaling $80,000, matched by $60,000 in cash donations and about $20,000 of in-kind contributions. The city agreed to do site preparation work.

The city had intended to also create the adjoining parking lot to the trailhead, but the state came forward to do that portion of the project.

Bub Zwygart and John Glenn, members of the volunteer citizen group raising funds for the project, said Wednesday that they will search for more donations to fill the 10 percent gap. They were also talking with the city's engineering supervisor, Al Gerber, to determine some construction savings.

The city did not allocate any city tax dollars to build the facility. The facility will be located on DNR property on the east side of 14th Avenue.

Monroe is the only community on the recreational trail without a trailhead or signage. It is normally up to communities along a recreational trail to put in trailheads.

Bids for the Monroe Airport terminal construction came in about 30 percent higher than the anticipated $650,000 in May.