NEWS

NRCS ACCEPTING BIDS FOR STREAM RESTORATION WORK IN NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA

HARRISBURG, May 17, 2007- The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces that it will advertise and bid federal contracts for emergency stream restoration work in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The work is to repair damage to homes, businesses, or utilities along streams that have been affected by the June 2006 flooding.

Projects involve reshaping stream banks, installing large rock riprap, stacking rock walls and seeding disturbed areas. The primary areas where work will be done include the counties of Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Wayne, Lackawanna, Bradford, and Columbia.

Federal funds from NRCS will finance 75% of the cost. The remaining 25% will be funded by the state of Pennsylvania, and Columbia, Wyoming, Sullivan, and Lackawanna County governments. All projects are sponsored by local units of government who obtain permission from landowners to do the work and agree to maintain the project when completed. Construction is expected to continue into the fall of 2007. Between NRCS and local sources, there is nearly $8 million available to perform eligible stream work. All eligible sites have been identified by NRCS and local municipalities.

All projects will be competitively bid using federal bidding procedures outlined in Title 48 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 14 and 36. Information about specific projects, including construction drawings, specifications and contract requirements is available at www.fedbizopps.gov.

Contractors must meet certain requirements in order to be qualified for award of federal contracts. Any contractors who are interested in this work will need to go to http://www.usda.gov/procurement/business/ccr_orca.htm and follow the directions.