IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, August 14, 2008 - Ross Peterson Construction, the general contractor for the Alfred Wright Boulevard (AWB) Reconstruction Project, appears to be making progress.

Almost 7/10 mile of the boulevard is being completely reconstructed. This complete reconstruction includes: concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk ramps, water main, hot mix asphalt paving, and pavement markings on AWB from Lime Street to McLeod Avenue in the City of Ironwood. The plumbing phase of the project, including water and waste lines, as well as hydrant installation is now complete. The project plans also include a walking path along the boulevard. Scott Erickson, Ironwood's City Manager/Engineer,  hopes one day, to connect the trail to a city-wide trail system that goes to Norrie Park and to other trails in the works.

The AWB project was made possible through federal Small Urban Grant in the amount of $375,000. The project funds, through the federal government, will not be available until 2009/2010. In order to get the project done this summer, the City applied for a "Local Jobs Today Program" loan through the State, using the federal grant as a guarantee. In addition to the low interest rate of 4%, the "Local Jobs Today Program" kicked in $93,000 as an incentive to move the project along.