Bidding process under way for Point storm repair work

BESSEMER — Bids will be received by the end of next week for some of the numerous projects necessary to repair the Little Girl’s Point area following the July 11-12 storm.

Gogebic County Road Commission Manager-Engineer Darren Pionk spoke to the county board of commissioners on Wednesday about the bid process and excessive work that lies ahead.

Weather permitting, Pionk said work should begin this fall.

County board chair Joe Bonovetz, of Bessemer, suggested an invitation bid only process, if possible, to get the projects under way. That would speed up the bid process by two weeks, commissioners learned.

Bonovetz asked Pionk if the Governor’s office has been doing a good job in assisting the county. “Yes, they are,” Pionk responded.

An inspector from the Michigan Department of Transportation was scheduled to visit the area Thursday.

Pionk said there are 10 wash-out or blow-out crossing areas along Lake Road that need repairs.

There is no access to the Point now from Wisconsin 122 in the Saxon area because of a massive hole in the road less than a mile from the Montreal River bridge border line.

When rights-of-way, various permits and easements must be obtained or researched, in addition to other red tape, Pionk said a repair project can amount to an eight- to 10-month process.

President Barack Obama declared neighboring Iron County, Wis., a federal disaster area, but did not do so for Gogebic County.