Progress

November 20, 2009

W-B wins more project cash

An additional $3 million from the state will help pay for the intermodal center.

By Sherry Long slong@timesleader.com
Staff Writer

WILKES-BARRE – The city got an added financial boost for its intermodal facility even though its construction is running behind schedule.

City Council on Thursday approved a $3 million grant increase from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project for a total of $10 million to the project between South Washington and South Main streets that has 752 parking spots.

Pennoni Associates, construction manager for the facility, was granted an extension until the end of June 2010 to complete the facility.

“It was money we had been anticipating, and it just authorizes us to move forward and acquire it. It allows us to complete the garage 100 percent instead of going into next year and doing it piecemeal,” Mayor Tom Leighton said.

The final steps, including the electrical work, are being completed now in the corridor that will serve as the ticketing booths and indoor waiting area.

The facility is being funded with federal, state, county and local money.

Once the $27 million facility opens, it will house Luzerne County Transportation Authority and Martz buses and taxis, moving them off Public Square.

It was scheduled to open late this fall, but the opening now has been pushed back to early next year, Leighton said.

“We are not pushing them (the contractor) to where they are not going to do this correctly. Not that they wouldn’t. We want that garage open as quickly as possible,” Leighton said.

The parking garage is scheduled to open early next year. It will be managed by the city’s parking authority. The authority hires a private company, LAZ, to hire staff to operate the garage and collect fees, Leighton said.

City Council also unanimously approved the city’s 2010 budget. The $41.1 million budget is increased less than one percent from the 2009 budget and does not include any increases in city fees or tax rates.

The city will advertise for bids to demolish three structures in Wilkes-Barre because the buildings are a safety hazard. The buildings are at 8 Wayne St, 57 N. Hancock St, and 78-80 Holland St. The city will place liens against the properties to recoup all demolition fees, which will be paid using money from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The city must purchase excess workers’ compensation insurance for its self-insured workers’ compensation program as required by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Based on a recommendation from Joseph J. Joyce Associates, the city is getting a policy with Midwest Employers Casualty Company for $65,335. The firm had the best rates and terms, according to the recommendation.

Excalibur Insurance Management Services will provide claims adjustment services for the city’s workers compensation program at a cost of $21,600 for basic services. The firm will be paid an additional $12,000 per year for consulting services.

Council members approved entering into a two-year contract with Constellation Energy starting Jan. 5 for all its properties – fire headquarters and stations, Coal Street Recreation Park, City Hall, Hollenback Park, Public Square and Department of Public Works.

Sherry Long, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7159.

Tweet	Follow @TLnews

Send Question or Remark to the Publisher