Project update: Weather has effect on construction
By LEE LEIKER
USD 408 Superintendent of schools
Weather plays an important role in many activities, as well as the economic stability of our communities, school district, and county.
Case in point: a few weeks ago the temperatures climbed well above average, resulting in the beautiful spring colors of green wheat, flowering and budding trees, and tulips appearing too quickly. These warm temperatures were followed by another winter blast that has most likely devastated the wheat crop, which will result in a setback to our economy.
Weather also plays a significant role in the progress being made on the district construction projects. As Hutton Construction and Hett Construction continue to work on the footings and foundations of the performing arts center, rains, wind, and cold temperatures can slow construction progress. Even with the moisture this past week, Hett Construction was able to progress on the west wall footings. They had to cover some of the freshly poured concrete to protect it from the moisture, but they were able to nearly finish the footings on the west wall.
Nearly 80 yards of concrete were poured and providing that weather doesn't change the plans, footings along the north side of the building will be poured this week.
Weather also slowed Jack Grosse's ability to finish clearing the old concrete from the sports and wellness site. Fortunately, however, he was able to complete the removal of the debris prior to the rain and snow precipitation that fell late last week. That site is now ready for the beginning of the excavation and site dirt work.
Hutton Construction will be making final arrangements with the dirt contractor this week and excavation should begin very soon. As I consider the effects weather plays on the district construction projects, but especially on our economy, I can't help but think this would be a good time for the county commission, city council, and hospital board to follow the taxing precedence that the school district has set: don't increase the tax rates, but rather, determine how you can make things happen within your current financial means.
