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The low bid for the proposed Federal Avenue/Main Street sidewalk project in Grand Coulee came in about $80,000 over the original engineer’s estimate, Grand Coulee’s council learned last Tuesday night.

The low bid of $440,292 was submitted by Halme Construction of Davenport, who did work for the city during the covering of the landfill project some years ago.

At the meeting, Jeff Stevens, of Gray & Osborne, the city’s engineering firm, said he was working with the low bidder to see if there was some wiggle room that would get the project within the financial limit. The engineer’s estimate for the work was $356,040.

The project is funded through a grant from the state’s Transportation Improvement Board, whose members met here and helped shape the project. The grant was for $436,909, which included engineer design fees figured to be in the $50,000 range.

Stevens said his firm will keep the council apprised on any discussions they have with the low bidder.

The project calls for the replacement of existing sidewalk, curb and gutter on Main Street and Federal Avenue, and other cosmetic features.