Benton Harbor City Commissioners have signed off on nearly $5.5 million in capital projects at city properties.
At a meeting this week, commissioners without comment authorized contracts to replace fire hydrants throughout the city, begin renovations at the Bobo Brazil Community Center, and fix some deficiencies at the water plant.
The city’s Public Safety and Public Works Committee was briefed last week on the projects. Jason Marquardt of Abonmarche told commissioners the $780,000 in fire hydrant work will be paid for with a federal grant.
“Right now it’s 35 fire hydrant replacements,” Marquardt said. “Within those fire hydrants, there’s 23 valves that have been called out for install, installation, and replacement, and of course, your associated pavement replacement restoration.”
Marquardt said the $900,000 Bobo Brazil work, being paid for with a state grant, will fix up the exterior shell of the building to make way for future improvements on the interior.
“Improvements to the roof, improvements to the windows, some doors and some masonry wall elements. Like I said, existing roof membrane, roof insulation repairs, really securing and enclosing the Bobo Brazil Center.”
That project will also include repairs to the exterior stairs and railings. Marquardt said the goal is to have all of that work done by the end of the year.
Finally, commissioners Monday approved $3.8 million in work at the water plant, Marquardt said to address issues identified by a state inspection. They’ll be replacing several filters.
The total cost of all the contracts approved this week comes out to $5.48 million.
