City council discusses condition of Business 50, hears about INDOT grant for the bus system and honors the electric Department
BUSINESS 50
The Washington City Council last night discussed possibly hiring an engineering firm in the near future to study the Business 50 corridor through Washington. Mayor Joe Wellman…
The Mayor noted that he’s the fourth mayor going back to Mayor Tom Baumert’s administration to deal with the Indiana Department of Transportation over the poor condition of Washington’s major east-west artery. Wellman said the study would be an opportunity to get intelligent information before making any decisions. He also said the city continues to talk to INDOT about the condition of the road through Washington.
A representative with VS Engineers told the city council the firm could update current information that is already on hand. He said a cost would likely be just under $35,000 to pay for right of way costs and impacts on utilities and the environment as well as work on sidewalks and landscaping. Once all the costs are determined, VS would negotiate with the state. No action was taken on the project.
WASHINGTON CITCO/BUS GRANT
Washington’s City Council passed a resolution authorizing an application for a federal grant to fund the city’s transit system. Spokesman Chuck Martindale the City informed the council that the city bus carried 13,308 passengers last year and the grant would provide a 75% reimbursement of operating costs. Washington has one bus which completes its 14 mile circuit each hour. Martindale told the Council that bus ridership was pretty consistent and its riders are generally elderly citizens.
WASHINGTON CITCO/LINEMAN DAY
Before Monday night’s City Council meeting, Washington Mayor Joe Wellman issued a proclamation declaring “Lineman Appreciation Day”. With the city’s electric line crews in attendance Wellman praised them for their dedication to service, and noted in many severe weather incidents the line crews were also first responders.
