IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, October 09, 2008 - A ribbon cutting ceremony was held yesterday on Alfred Wright Boulevard (AWB). Almost 7/10 mile of the boulevard has been completely reconstructed. This complete reconstruction included: concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk ramps, water main, hot mix asphalt paving, a walking/bike path, and pavement markings on AWB from Lime Street to McLeod Avenue in the City of Ironwood.  Scott Erickson, Ironwood's City Manager/Engineer,  hopes one day, to connect the boulevard's walking path to a city-wide trail system that goes to Norrie Park and to other trails in the works. A separate ribbon cutting took place for Ironwood's first walking path.

Eleven year-old Katie Erickson, eleven year-old Sarah Johnson, and ten year-old Teah Valkama were the ribbon cutters for both the boulevard and the trail. Following the ribbon cutting ceremonies, the crowd joined City staff and City officials on an "initiation" walk along the path. Nancy Zak supplied water and doughnuts at the mid-way point of the group's jaunt. Two Stormy Kromers (one for the males, and one for the females) were given away in a drawing at the mid-point -- eleven year-old Evan Pumala and eight year-old Shawna Jackson were winners.

The AWB project was made possible through federal Small Urban Grant in the amount of $375,000. Back on December 11, 2006, the City Commission authorized City Manager, Scott Erickson, to apply for the funds. The project funds, however, through the federal government, were not be available until 2009/2010. In order to get the project completed, 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.

On August 13, 2007, U.P. Engineering was hired, at a cost of $26,720, to design and stake out the boulevard for construction. On April 8, 2008, the plans were made available for inspection by the neighbors and the community at large. On April 14, 2008, it was announced that MDOT selected Ross Peterson Construction as the general contractor for the boulevard project. Ruotsala Concrete was hired as a subcontractor to the curbs, sidewalks, and catch basins. Coleman Engineering was hired to oversee the construction.

By early May, Xcel Energy was beginning to move the power lines and electric poles to suit U.P. Engineering's construction design.

The contractors, sub-contractors, construction workers and engineers did a great job rebuilding the once dilapidated thoroughfare. Alfred Wright Boulevard is a much traveled road that leads to one of Ironwood's most valuable assets -- Norrie Park. Rebuilding the street opens up a number of promotional opportunities for the City of Ironwood. The annual Renaissance Faire at Norrie Park has proven to be quite successful. The City of Ironwood can proudly promote more events at the Park and feel confident that people visiting the area will be impressed with the road to the destination.

On hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony were City staffers: City Manager Scott Erickson; Community Development Director Dan Petersen; Project Manager Don Bertels; and City Assessor/Building Inspector Dennis Hewitt. City Commissioners present included: Tom Laabs; Suzanne Toth; Bob Burchell; and Mayor Bruce Noren. Jackie Powers, member of the Planning Commission and the DIDA was also present. Representing the media at the event were Annette Manwell, Ironwood Daily Globe Staff Writer, and yours truly.