A major step toward restoring the banks of the Ararat River in Mount Airy while also providing recreation facilities along the stream could be taken this week.

The Mount Airy Board of Commissioners is scheduled to consider the awarding of a construction contract for the project, which has been in the planning stages for several years, during a meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Municipal Building.

In addition to restoring banks of the vulnerable waterway which have fallen victim to erosion, the overall project will include constructing the city’s second greenway trail along the river’s route along with park amenities.

Catrina Alexander, city parks and recreation director, said Tuesday that it is exciting to see the fulfillment of an effort combining the preservation of natural resources with the addition of recreational facilities.

“The opportunity to restore this river and in the process create park and recreational opportunities,” Alexander said, “I think is a really tremendous thing for this community, and will have long-term health and conservation benefits.

“You’re saving a river and creating health and wellness opportunities at the same time.”

On Thursday night, the board of commissioners is expected to vote to award a $3.25 million construction contract to North State Environmental Inc. The Winston-Salem firm was the lowest responsible bidder among five companies submitting proposals for the work, narrowly beating out two local contractors, H.B. Rowe and Co. Inc. and Sowers Construction Co. Inc.

That $3.25 million figure is “well within the combined total of funds available” for the project, according to a memo to the commissioners from City Manager Don Brookshire. Although the city government set aside $200,000 for five years to cover the streambank work and a portion of the greenway, much of the funding is coming from state grants.

The restoration, greenway and parks project calls for the installation of in-river structures; streambank stabilization; greenway trails, amenities and structural components; various park amenities; retaining walls; bridges; and culverts.

A 3.2-mile segment of the Ararat River extending from Riverside Park to U.S. 52 will form the route for the greenway, with Alexander pointing out that two schools, Mount Airy Middle and B.H. Tharrington Primary, will be connected as a result.

The massive project required easements to be obtained for 55 separate land parcels along the path, including businesses and homes.

Work is slated to begin at the end of March, according to Alexander.

Construction of the greenway will not begin until the river channel restoration is completed, to avoid damage to the waterway. Trees and shrubs will be planted to absorb runoff and large rocks will be placed in the river to divert water flow from the banks.

The cornerstone of the greenway will be the H.B. Rowe Environmental Park, a development that will include nature trails and habitats that will be available for studies by local students.

A master plan approved by city parks and recreation leaders will include upgrading existing facilities along the river, including new concession stands, lighted ballfields, canoe and kayak access points and upgraded parking areas.

The contract to be considered Thursday night will cover about 16,929 feet of river restoration, 11,531 feet of greenway trails and three park locations.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to see this come to fruition, because it has involved the work of so many people over such a long period,” Alexander said. This has included local government and civic representatives as well as state leaders, she added.

Cross Creek Project

Also Thursday night, the commissioners will consider another major contract to provide sewer lines for a newly-annexed community.

This project will involve the final two phases of sewer extensions for the Cross Creek/Laurel Court areas. A separate bid process was conducted for each project to allow possible savings from mobilization should the same firm be the low bidder for both.

Triangle Grading & Paving Inc. of Burlington submitted the low net bid on the two projects, from among 11 firms competing, for a combined total of $4.01 million, which will save the municipality about $109,000. The preliminary estimate for the work was $5.4 million.

The project will complete the construction of sewer lines to the Cross Creek community that was annexed last spring.

Mount Airy officials have agreed to borrow $3.9 million to finance the work.

The city had expected to borrow $5.7 million, but the receiving of favorable proposals from contractors in a tough economic period helped reduce that.

Contact Tom Joyce at tjoyce@mtairynews.com, or at 719-1924.