The Washington City Council approved the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimate of cost for the West Buchanan Street paving project at their meeting Tuesday.

The paving will extend the road from the Elm Grove Cemetery to Highway 1 and is estimated to cost about $2.52 million. Citizen Mike Murphy has spoken at several city council meetings about his concerns for the project to which Mayor Jaron Rosien responded, “We understand that Mike feels strongly opposed to this project. I think that you’ve seen many, many meetings with many related items of business to this project and we’ve heard from Mr. Murphy.”

City Administrator Brent Hinson commented that this is a very responsible and farsighted project, “I think that we always try to do projects that are sensitive to the surrounding environment, to all factors that we can incorporate. But you guys are here and we’re here as staff to do the greatest good for the community as a whole. This project definitely represents that and you’ve got one person opposed, basically.”

The resolution to move forward on the project was passed unanimously, with the Iowa Department of Transportation receiving bids on June 15th and the council awarding the contract on July 6th.