City Administrator, Decker Ploehn, says the price has jumped from $2.2 mil. to at least $4.6 mil., and that's an estimate before bid letting.
Supply chain issues also became a problem for the elevator project. The steel rails needed for the elevator are made overseas. And the city had to wait for a federal waiver and permission to use non-American steel as part of the I-74 project. Then COVID hit, and the markets changed affecting prices for materials.
Originally, Ploehn says the state would have paid the $2.2 million bill for elevator construction, then the city would have borrowed money to pay the state back. Now, that won't be necessary.
Other Bettendorf projects that are part of the I-74 bridge contract are being completed. That includes landscaping along the river that the city is paying for.
Ploehn also says Bettendorf plans to plans to develop the land where the old highway and bridge used to be. The city is working with the state on buying land parcels to develop.
The I-74 pedestrian and bike lane is already in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. And Ploehn says a new parking lot will make it easier for everyone to use the path.
