(KNZA)--Plans for Hiawatha street improvements move forward.

The City Commission Monday evening approved an agreement with BG Consultants, of Lawrence, to provide engineering services for a brick street rehabilitation project on Utah Street between 6th and 7th for a fee of $88,500.

A grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation will be pay for 80 percent of the estimated more than one-million dollar project, with the city responsible for the remaining 20 percent or nearly $250,000.

Bid letting for the project is set for next October.

Engineer Brian Kingsley with BG Consultants updated the Commission on the street improvements project to be funded through a half-cent sales tax approved by Hiawatha voters in November 2016.

Kingsley said around $5.7 million is available for construction. He said he’s considering a bid package with a base bid scope of work plus “ add alternate” streets that can be added as the budget allows.

Commissioners prioritize seven “ add alternate” projects they would like to see done, as funding allows.

The street improvements will include new concrete pavement along with curb and gutter replacement.

Kingsley said the design phase is nearly complete, and the bid phase can begin after funding approval by USDA Rural Development.