Contract limit increase for bridges, roads passed

Senators passed a bill May 23 that increases the contract value for bridge and road projects in which counties must undergo a formal bidding process.

Counties currently undergo an informal bidding process if a contract is less than $60,000 for bridge and road projects and less than $10,000 for material costs. Such contracts automatically are awarded to the lowest bidder. Projects that are estimated above the allotted costs must go through a formal bidding process, which requires county board approval.

LB623, introduced by Bellevue Sen. Scott Price, raises the bidding threshold to $100,000 for county contracts for bridge and road repair projects and to $20,000 for material costs.

The bill passed on a 42-0 vote.