Youngstown to approve pact for V&M Star project

YOUNGSTOWN — City officials plan to approve a contract sometime in the next two weeks for a major improvement project needed for V&M Star’s $650 million expansion.

The city opened proposals today from six companies for the project that will use $14.4 million in federal stimulus fund money to build and relocate railroad lines and install storm sewer lines at the V&M expansion site.

Awarding a contract is not as simple as giving it to the lowest and best proposal, said Charles Shasho, deputy director of the city’s public works department.

The city had a base proposal and eight add-ons for this project. Most of the add-ons were for additional feet of railroad track, Shasho said.

The city originally opened proposals for this work May 28. The project’s estimate was $13.56 million, but the proposals from the four companies seeking the work ranged from $18.18 million to $20.21 million.

Through the reductions and the decision to separate the add-ons, the city lowered the base proposal from $13.56 million to $11.35 million.

City officials will evaluate the six proposals and the add-ons to see which company has the lowest and best package, Shasho said.

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