SHAMOKIN - Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) Authority member Barry Yorwarth was more than pleased to make the motion to award four contracts to construct the first permanent building at the off-highway vehicle park that's been in the planning stages for more than three years.
"I would love to make that motion. I'd second it if I could," Yorwarth said Tuesday night, referencing the many roadblocks the parks has seen over the years.
Although the authority members must wait on approval of the contracts from the state, they're expecting construction to start June 3 with a finish date of Sept. 2.
The contracts, which total $1,637,281, were awarded to Paul Risk Associates Inc., of
Quarryville, in the amount of $1,429,000 for general construction; J.B. Electric Corp., of Minersville, in the amount of $92,390 for electrical; Bognet Inc., of Hazleton, in the amount of $58,205 for plumbing, and Shannon A. Smith Inc, of Myerstown, in the amount of $57,685 for mechanical/HVAC.
Money to fund the construction is coming mostly from two grants totaling $1.9 million that were awarded in 2010 and 2011 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
The trailhead area, which will be just off Route 125 south of Burnside, will have an administrative building with an office, conference room and three maintenance garages. There will be 75 parking places on a paved lot and 180 spaces on a gravel lot, with additional overflow parking. The area will also include an ATV safety course, benches, lights and signs.
The motion by Yorwarth was seconded by authority member Pat Mack, and it passed unanimously 5-0.
"We're on our way, if there's no back up," Chairman James Backes said following the vote.
There was no further discussion about the bid approvals and no questions or comments from the approximately 10 members of the public present.
Earlier this month, the authority hosted some 20 contractors for a pre-bid meeting at which details about the construction were provided. They had until noon Monday to submit bids.
Grant sought; donations received
The board also approved a letter of support for a technology grant from the federal Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to update the authority's technology.
Mack said the grant will update the AOAA website, develop QR codes and apps for smart phones and map the trails for GPS uses.
By updating the website, the authority members hope to provide a place for people to purchases passes online and businesses to advertise their services for people from out of town.
"It'll be one place to go for everything. It'll make the visit easier," Backes said.
In other business, the authority members approved:
- The purchase of AOAA T-shirts to sell as a fundraiser at a cost not to exceed $4,000. The marketing, events, grants and fundraising committee chaired by Mack will be working on designs.
- Delaware Jeep Association for use of the park on Saturday, July 27.
- Donations from Durdach Brothers, which provided an advertising banner with a $200 value; Vought Equipment Rentals, which provided the use of an excavator for gate installation with a $400 value; and North Shore Railroad, which provided railroad ties with a value of $1,000.
It was also announced that volunteers will be installing gates and no trespassing signs along Route 125 Saturday.