Westar Energy remains committed to working with Lyon County to improve Roads U and 200, according to Westar spokesperson Gina Penzig and Lyon County Counselor Michael Halleran.
An article in The Gazette Friday evening incorrectly stated that the energy company was backing off its commitment.
The company earlier had budgeted up to $1.2 million for the project, which the county had estimated would cost $1.1 million, Penzig said.
“We’re going to pay for improvements to the road,” she said.
The single bid offered, by APAC/Shears, was for $943,000. Lyon County Commissioners accepted the bid at their meeting Thursday.
Halleran termed the incorrect report a serious matter.
“Westar has not backed away from its commitment to pay for the road construction project on Roads U and 200 related to its peaking plant,” Halleran said. “In fact, Westar was present at the letting of the bid for the project and its my understanding Westar is in full and complete agreement with the project.”
Halleran said that concerns were raised by citizens that an additional coverage of asphalt of approximately two inches would improve the road’s stability and durability.
“Those concerns were raised after engineering specifications were completed and after the bids had gone out,” he said. “It was not contemplated by either Lyon County and its engineers or by Westar and its engineers.”
Halleran said that a public discussion at the bid-letting considered what the additional cost would be to add two inches of overlay in certain sections of the project. The figure estimated was $200,000.
“The $200,000 asphalt overlay is being discussed by Lyon County and Westar as an addition to the project,” Halleran said.
Both entities are considering the proposal and are negotiating a decision.