HUTCHINSON, Kan. — In a very busy building climate, the numbers for the first bid package for the 
Sports arena project were positive.
The bids, which covered ten different components of the project, totaled $16,004,081. When added to the construction estimate for the second round of bids the project is just 4/10ths of one percent over estimated costs. City Manager John Deardoff was happy with the results, and was confident that additional savings will be found.
Sr. Project Manager for JE Dunn, Scott Sherry also was pleased with the bids owing to the large amount of construction activity going on the midwest, and stressed that they are on track budget wise. Sherry says they’re also confident that they will see similar interest in the next round of bids which go out next week.The first bids made up around 65% of the project with the second round of bids making up the remaining 35%. Those bids will be opened March 3rd.
The City Council will take action on the first round of bids during their meeting Feb 16.