To the editor:

A recent newspaper article on metro bids coming in far below budget reports that the least expensive bid came in at $29.8 million, or 50 percent lower than the expected FDOT budget of $60 million. The bid was provided by a qualified construction company that has performed work for other Lee County projects, including the widening of Summerlin Road. The public information representative, Kris Cella said, “It’s not surprising bids came in lower than expected… everybody’s hungry for work right now.”

This information reinforces Marco Island’s recent sewer project reduction of nearly 30 percent that was achieved through a re-bid in February. Now reconsider the Associated General Contractors of America’s report, “Construction Materials Price History and Outlook” that I previously reviewed with each of you. It also indicates that costs are in sharp decline.

I submit, once again, that it is obvious to nearly everyone that a re-bid for the SW6/7 UEP project will undoubtedly result in substantial savings over MWH’s 2008 quote. Given the strong competition for construction projects now, even more savings can be achieved by eliminating the expensive manager-at-risk program in favor of a traditional contract that provides true open competition for our business.

Who, among council, will stand up for your constituents to sponsor a truly open re-bid process that represents the best financial interests of those financially-strapped citizens who will pay the costs of this massive project? Members Grill and Tate (as sponsors of the resolutions to re-start these projects), will you provide the leadership that demonstrates fiscal prudence and fiduciary responsibility, as you were elected to do? Mayor Burch, will you step forward as the “fiscal conservative” that you promoted in your press conference to announce your run for mayor?

All of Cape Coral awaits your leadership.

Gary King

Cape Coral