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Ford Park work exceeds budget

VAIL — While work continues at Ford Park, it now packs a higher price tag.

Vail Public Works Director Greg Hall Tuesday told the Vail Town Council that work done at the park so far is roughly $1.5 million over budget, an increase of about 15 percent over the original estimates.

Hall said installing storm water drainage and lighting accounted for much of the overrun, as well as the presence of a number of large rocks just underground.



“We relied on a bid we should not have,” Stan Zemler, town manager, said. “There are a number of things here, for whatever the reason may be, that we didn’t see… But that doesn’t justify a $1.5 million overrun. We’re very uncomfortable having this conversation.”

Council members asked if delaying the appropriation — and an amended contract with American Civil Constructors — would give town officials a chance to do some “value engineering” — finding items in the work plan that could be taken out of the project.

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Hall said he and other officials will continue to look at ways to keep the price down, but too much of a delay could have long-term consequences. Current plans call for the town’s athletic fields to be closed all summer in 2014. Hall said too much of a delay could extend that delay into 2015.

Council members eventually approved the extra spending.

Vail Daily Business Editor Scott Miller can be reached at 970-748-2939 or at smiller@vaildaily.com.


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