Bid on state Capitol dome work lower than estimated

State lawmakers set aside money earlier this year to continue repairs and cleaning of the state's dirty and leaking Capitol dome in Olympia. A contractor has been selected. Work to repair the masonry and to clean the sandstone surface likely will begin early next week.

The Department of Enterprise Services confirmed Tuesday the project is nearly at hand. DES selected an apparent low bidder two weeks ago and has been evaluating the firm's $1.148 million bid to ensure it is the best deal for the state.

Steve Valandra, spokesman for Enterprise Services, said Western Waterproofing Co., based in Portland, is going to get the job. The firm is part of Western Construction Group, and its bid was several hundred thousand dollars less than expected, Valandra said. A notice to proceed is to be given to the firm for Monday.

"It's likely they'll start early next week, if not Monday then soon after. It's supposed to be completed by early November," Valandra said.

Valandra said the bid award to Western waterproofing was not contested.

The dome used to be scrubbed every five years, but the 2009 work was put on hold when the economy and state revenues plummeted.

By The Olympian