Bids over estimates for V&M Star rail relocation project

City officials had estimated the cost of a railroad relocation project needed for V&M Star’s $650 million expansion project at $13.56 million.

When the four proposals for the relocation were opened today, the proposals ranged from $18.18 million to $20.21 million.

“We were very surprised,” said Charles Shasho, deputy director of the city’s public workers department. “We thought the bids would come in real close to the estimate. It looks like the price of rail is more than we expected.”

The $13.56 million is the lion’s share of the nearly $19 million received from the federal stimulus package for work to be done near V&M’s expansion project.

While city public works officials will review the proposals and the bid specifications for this project, the project “will most likely be rebid,” Shasho said.

For the complete story, read Saturday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com