River project down to 3

According to an email sent Dec. 23 by a consultant named Jon Nelson, five contractors submitted proposals for a project to clear gravel bars on the North Platte River. Of those five, three firms were selected to be interviewed by the Town the week of Jan. 1.

“At this time, it is still the Town’s intent to make an award (for the project) on or before January 6th,” the email stated. Originally, plans called for contractor interviews to take place the week of Dec. 19, with a final selection being made Dec. 23.

No explanation was offered for the delay, but longer-than expected wait periods for permits from regulatory agencies may have played a role in the hold-up.

The winning-bid will be selected on a best-value, as opposed to a simple low-bid basis, meaning contractors deemed by the Town to be more conscientious may be favored over cheaper operators at officials’ discretion.