City cements sidewalk program

MARYSVILLE The city is now offering a new 50-50 sidewalk program that splits down the middle the cost for new sidewalks or repairing and renewing aging sidewalks, said Doug Buell city communications officer.

The property owner's 50 percent is billed upon completion of the project, added Jeff Laycock, Marysville associate transportation engineer.

In addition, and at no cost to the homeowner, the city performs all surveying and engineering services, furnishes labor and materials, completes inspections and provides construction of any necessary surface water improvements.

The city also paves the street from the point of its former edge to the new curb line when new sidewalks are installed.

City officials say the goal of the program is to improve the quality of pedestrian walkways around Marysville.

"This program is a mutual, economical benefit for both homeowners and for the city," said Laycock. "Homeowners see dramatic cost savings in having the work performed, while splitting the cost makes city dollars go twice as far."

City Council passed a resolution creating the program in April. The cost of sidewalk construction will be based on the city's annual concrete construction contract, with contracts competitively bid each year, Laycock added. The work carries a two-year warranty and is built to city standards.

The timing of the program and how soon the city will be able to accommodate your sidewalk request is dependent on available funding. Essentially, the program is designed to work on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you would like to be placed on the 50-50 program waiting list, call the city's program specialist Teri McCann at 360-363-8112 or send an e-mail to TMcCann@marysvillewa.gov.

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