Amador County – The Kennedy Mine Wheelhouse project funding could be considered by the California Transportation Commission in June, with construction tentatively set to start in August or September.

Jackson City Councilman Keith Sweet told the City Council last week that the Save the Wheel Committee had raised $78,000 toward matching funds needed get grant funding to build a new wheelhouse, and were $3,000 shy of the amount needed.

Sweet, chairman of the Committee reported from last week’s Committee meeting. He said Jackson City Manager Mike Daly gave a report on the grant status. The environmental report has been submitted and tentatively approved although there are several signatures that still need to be obtained from the state.

Daly said the Kennedy Mine Save the Wheel project appears to be scheduled for a request for construction funds on the June California Transportation Commission agenda with construction beginning in August or September.

Weber-Ghio Engineering displayed the layout of the roads, parking and fencing. Sweet said to pass the environmental review, parking in front of Wheel Number 4 had to be eliminated. Black chain link fence can be used instead of decorative fencing to save $10 per foot.

There was also discussion of a gate at the bottom of the road and the installation of at least three speed bumps on the road. Sweet said it was also confirmed that a fence on the retaining wall was probably a good idea.

Sweet said Kevin Fritson “displayed the 95 percent done construction drawings which became 90 percent drawings almost immediately after the discussion regarding ceiling insulation to prevent moisture accumulation and the need for electricity to the site in order to install ventilating fans for heat and humidity control.”

Consensus was not reached on corrugated siding to be used, he said. Some preferred painted look, the rusted look, or the galvanized look. More information will be available at the next meeting.

A final version of information for the kiosk panels was submitted. Art work will be reviewed to complement the description. It has been suggested the committee look into an audio enhancement utilizing smart phone scanning technology and website links for the enhanced version of the kiosk info.

Sweet said the city will be able to use in-kind donations of material or labor with few restrictions. A list of material and projects will be completed and given to various groups and organizations.

Also, six raffle prizes were not picked up at the benefit dinner, and unclaimed prizes may be used in another fundraiser. The committee next meets July 10 at Jackson Civic Center.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.