by J.R. Brammer

STAFF WRITER

BRIDGEPORT -- The city's proposed $875,000 Public Works facility leaped another hurdle Monday as council approved architectural plans, giving designers the go-ahead to prepare bidding documents.

The taxpayer funded, 11,000-square-foot, building project will replace Bridgeport's "out-dated and unorganized" facility located in the heart of downtown.

"That's the original building dating back to the 1930s ... and it's in the wrong location," said Daniel Ferrell, city engineer.

The new facility, slated for groundbreaking as early as this summer, will be located next to the wastewater treatment plant near Interstate 79. The city owns that land.

However, the new location's proximity to the plant poses a bit of concern for officials. Future environmental regulations may require the treatment facility to expand -- possibly crowding the 18-acre lot.

"I think by shoving it back (as far from the treatment plant as possible), hopefully that will leave enough room," Ferrell said.

WYK Associates, a Clarksburg architectural firm, designed the proposed site.

The 15-employee Public Works Department handles road, water, and sewage maintenance for the city.

Also Monday night, members of the Webelos Den 4, Pack 39, scouting group lobbied councilmen to adopt a city bird. The youths told city leaders that they will survey citizens over the next few weeks to determine an everyday "backyard bird" mascot. The scouts will present their findings on Earth Day, in late April.

Staff writer J.R. Brammer can be reached at 626-1442 or by e-mail at jbrammer@exponent-telegram.com.