Trail council awarded the bridge lighting contract to a local electrical company this week.
The project of installing 96 colour changing lights on the Victoria Street crossing came in on budget and in ample time before city festivities in May, says Trail Mayor Mike Martin.
“Every effort is now directed towards having the project completed in time for the inaugural lighting during Silver City Days,” Martin said.
“We are absolutely delighted with the level of support from the community for a project which was identified as a component of overall downtown revitalization,” he added. “It will be a landmark project which recognizes and celebrates the Columbia River passing through our city.”
Power Tech Electric was the lowest of four bids for the decorative lighting project that city council earmarked with $510,000 prior to 2016 budget talks.
The Fruitvale-based company will supply and install wiring, junction boxes, electrical panels, lighting controllers, and a commissioning system for $447,000.
Additionally, Power Tech must provide operational training for city staff and city electricians once the job is complete.
The initiative was advanced as a priority and tendered last month when campaigning by the DOAC (Downtown Opportunities and Action Committee) neared its fundraising goal of $180,000.
The group’s Buy-a-Light drive, which invited the community to “purchase” an LED for a $200 donation, was well received because that fundraising goal was completed within nine months. Martin says of the 96 lights available, 99 lights were actually donated.
The remainder, $159,200, was received through major local sponsors as well as one $10,000 anonymous donation.
Installation is slated to begin in February, in tandem with ministry crews who will be back on site to finish work on the bridge expansion joints.
“The fundraising initiative at $200 per light has now exceeded the number of designated available LED coloured lights,” Martin noted. “We are absolutely delighted with the level of financial support from the community and the DOAC is now left with the task by which to provide the appropriate recognition to all those who have sponsored lights.”