While the estimate for sewer separation work near the Washington Courthouse was estimated to cost $212,000, the city council awarded a contract for the low bid of $444,398 last night. The bid was more than twice the original estimate. The contract was awarded to DeLong Construction, Inc., of Washington.

City Administrator Brent Hinson said the project was important to helping the entire system. Hinson added the city will afford the project by delaying the demolition of the old waste water plant structures and the West 3rd storm sewer study will be completed but work will be held off until the end of the fiscal year. Councilman Jaron Rosien called the project of “paramount importance.”

The council approved the measure with a vote of five, with one abstention.