La PORTE — Rieth-Riley Construction of La Porte will be helping to pave the way for new businesses in NewPorte Landing. Literally.
That's because the company will be responsible for constructing the roads and utilities for the new development and, through this work, making the location more appealing to businesses.
At least that was the vote of the La Porte Redevelopment Commission on Wednesday when members approved Rieth-Riley's $7.237 million bid for the infrastructure project.
According to city engineer Nick Minich, the task will include the construction of roads and utilities. Commission members also approved an alternative bid for higher-quality concrete piping.
The project is expected to start in June, and be finished by fall of 2016.
In related matters, Reith-Riley Construction also won its bid for infrastructure work at the city's portion of the Thomas Rose Industrial Park expansion project. The work will only include utilities. The winning bid was $1.105 million. Higher quality concrete piping was also included with the bid.
At a previous meeting of the La Porte Redevelopment Commission, it was noted that these improvements would help make both developments more attractive to businesses. The Thomas Rose Industrial Park is in the process of increasing its areas by 137 acres to accommodate new businesses moving in, and will soon be supported by rail services. NewPorte Landing, where Allis-Chalmers used to be located, is also opening up for businesse