School project will move forward despite higher bids than expected

LOUISA — The city of Louisa announced Tuesday that the long-awaited Louisa East Elementary Project will move forward even though all bids came in over the project budget.

“This left the project short by $27,000,” Louisa Mayor Harold Slone said.

Slone said in his release that he was able to reach out to state Rep. Kathy Hinkle, who met with the engineering firm and the mayor to discuss the shortfall.

“Mrs. Hinkle in turn reached out to the Governor’s office and the transportation cabinet and was able to obtain some additional funds to complete the project,” Slone said. “The project was funded by state discretionary funds beginning with the previous administration and the shortfall supplemented with the current administration. I would like to thank Rep. Hinkle and al the folks at the state and local level who have had a hand in this much needed project.”

Local officials met on site Monday for a coordination meeting, with construction expected to begin Oct. 15 and be completed in a month.