Jackson community center could open in a year

Jackson city officials hope to see dirt move soon on the grounds that eventually will be home to a new community center.

The project has been subject to long delays, as the city waited for federal approval.

Voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax in 2012 to fund the center's operation, and the city received plans for the facility last year from Kansas architect group Incite Design Studio.

Plans were submitted in November to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a $2.4 million grant -- which included a $1.8 million or 75 percent federal share -- to pay for a safe room that could withstand an EF-5 tornado. Approval was required before the city could proceed with construction, but city officials were hopeful the answer would come soon.

In early March, the city requested additional funding for the safe room's construction because of site conditions that caused the estimated eligible construction costs to be higher than anticipated. FEMA ultimately gave the green light in late July, months after the city's initial submission, by awarding $3,361,685, which includes the 75 percent federal share of $2,521,263 and 25 percent local match of $840,422.

The city advertised for sealed bids for construction that were due Aug. 27. Public works director Rodney Bollinger said in a Wednesday email the city received eight bids, whith Brockmiller Construction Inc. of Farmington, Missouri, coming in with the lowest bid of $5,677,100.

The Jackson Board of Aldermen awarded the contract to Brockmiller at its Monday meeting.

After city staff finish contract details and gather with the contractors for a pre-construction meeting, Bollinger said a groundbreaking ceremony will be held possibly in mid- to late October.

The community center will be on donated land near Whitey Herzog Stadium on East Deerwood Drive. The community-based not-for-profit group Southeast Missouri Medical Center has donated $3 million for construction costs, and the Cape Girardeau County Historical Society kicked in $200,000 for the project.

Bollinger said the estimated completion for the community center is October 2015.

srinehart@semissourian.com

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