PORT DIRECTOR EXPECTS GOOD BIDS ON RAIL WORK

SCOTT CITY - Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority Executive Director Allan Maki says he is anticipating some good numbers this morning when bids are opened for the first phase of construction of a rail spur into the port.

Maki said there the fact that 32 companies have requested plans and 22 firms were represented at a pre-bid conference last Wednesday, leads him to believe there should be some good, competitive bids today.

Bids are scheduled for opening at the 10 a.m. at the port authority's office in Scott City.

Depending on how long it takes to review the bids, the port's board of commissioners could award a contract as early as Monday at its monthly meeting.

The engineering firm of Bowen and Lawson will review bids and assist in the decision process.

The first phase is for dirt work along the route and putting in culverts. The second phase, which will be bid later, is for the installation of the railroad track.

Completion of the rail spur is the last major project of the first phase of development at the port.