Streetscape breaks ground

Rayma Silvers/Tribune Photo Officials break ground on the new Streetscape project Friday. From left: Senator Pat Roberts, Fort Scott Mayor Gary Bukowski, Former Mayor Gary Billionis, Fort Scott City Commissioner Jim Adams and Fort Scott Chamber Chairman Bob Marshall.

Area residents gathered at Wall and Main Street on June 6, to witness the groundbreaking ceremony for the Phoenix Downtown Redevelopment Committee's Streetscape Project.

The Streetscape Project was created to restore and revitalize the portions of downtown Fort Scott that were affected by a March 11, 2005, fire which destroyed several historic buildings and other areas downtown.

According to a previous Tribune article, the city plans to use a little more than $2 million in federal grant money to pay for the restoration project, which involves the installation of new 1920s-style lighting, appealing landscaping, hanging flower baskets and banner displays, matching benches and trash receptacles, and other amenities in certain areas of downtown Fort Scott. The project will also address infrastructure improvements in water pressure, wastewater, drainage, and sewer services in those areas.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, which was emceed by local businessman Dean Mann, Senator Pat Roberts addressed the crowd in show of his support for the project. Following Robert's words of support, he, along with Fort Scott Mayor Gary Bukowski; Former Fort Scott Mayor Gary Billionis; Fort Scott City Commissioner Jim Adams and Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman Bob Marshall ceremoniously removed the first pieces of dirt from the lot at the corner of Main Street and Wall Street.

Bruce Remsby, an engineer with Professional Engineering Consultants, said he estimates the project will take about five or six months to complete, with the work being done in the following order: sanitary sewer, water lines, storm sewer, and above ground streetscape improvements.