By Cynthia Davis
On June 7th Senator Cortez Masto-D joined Ely Mayor Pro Tem, and City Council woman, Dr. Jerri-Lynn Williams-Harper, and City Engineer BJ Almberg in downtown Ely to discuss funding she’s secured for vital infrastructure improvements across the city.
Senator Cortez Masto has advocated for “Downtown Infrastructure and Complete Streets Project” and along with Senator Jacky Rosen recently secured $30 million in federal funding for the project to help expand and improve the city’s downtown streets. Cortez Masto stated “Upgrading the city’s roads and sidewalks will support the city’s economy, make it a safer place for businesses and families, and make sure locals and travelers alike can enjoy all Ely has to offer.” Senator Rosen stated “I’m proud to have helped secure this funding to help the City of Ely revitalize their downtown. Thanks to this new funding, the city will be able to repair and improve its roads, increasing safety and supporting its local economy.”
The funding will help expand and improve US-50/West Aultman Street from 1st Street to Bell Avenue and US-93/East Aultman Street from East 10th Street to East 15th Street in downtown Ely as part of the city’s Downtown Ely Infrastructure and Complete Streets Project.
Ely has dealt with its fair share of road-related issues with the biggest being potholes, and more. I am certain that all of the citizens of Ely/White Pine County will be anxiously awaiting the repairs and upgrades the Senators’ say this grant will bring.
NDOT and the City of Ely are reconstructing deteriorated local roadways and upgrading the city’s water and sewer facilities. Improvements will be made to Aultman St. and Great Basin Boulevard in Ely. Planned improvements include a “complete streets” concept to reconstruct sections of Aultman Street and Great Basin Boulevard along with reconfiguring lanes to provide a safer route for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Project improvements include: roadway reconstruction, lane reconfiguration, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/sidewalk/curb and gutter improvements, bicycle lanes, lighting, flashing beacon pedestrian crossings, aesthetics, drainage improvements, water and sewer pipeline replacement and fiber optic installation and recently secured $30 million in federal funding for the project.
Project Schedule: (Future phases)
A second phase will be constructed when funding is available (no set-date) and will include: Reconstructing Aultman Street from First Street to Ogden Avenue and East Aultman Street from 10th Street to 15th Street. Repaving and restripe sections of west Aultman Street to provide one travel lane in each direction with designated center turn and bike lanes and on-street parking.
Due to project complexity and potential constructability risk, NDOT hired a construction manager, Q&D Construction, LLC, to provide construction expertise and collaborate with NDOT through the design stage. This pre-construction process identifies construction innovations, minimizes project risks and provides a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) or fixed price. The goal is to maintain a higher level of quality within a limited budget.
“The Ely community is thankful for the work Senator Cortez Masto has done to look out for our residents and bring vital investments to our town,” said Jeri-Lynn Williams-Harper, City Councilwoman. “Ely is a destination, and the infrastructure and broadband funding she’s delivered will make a big difference for Ely businesses, schools, families, and tourists.”
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