(KNZA)--Plans for third phase of downtown streetscape improvements in the city of Hiawatha move forward. 

The Hiawatha City Commission Monday evening accepted the low bid submitted by AHRS Construction, of Bern, in the amount of nearly $854,000 for the project.   It was among two bids opened August 17th.

A grant through the Kansas Department of Transportation will pay for 80 percent of the construction cost.  The city will responsible for remaining 20 percent, plus construction engineering costs.

The Commission voted to authorize the payment of $272,000 to KDOT on or before October 6th for the city’s share of the project cost.

The project will include improvements in the 800 block of Oregon and the remaining portion of the 500 block of Oregon.  The improvements will include new sidewalks, lightning and planters similar to the first two phases of the project.

City Administrator Mike Nichols says construction is anticipated to begin in March of next year.