The City of Newport awarded a $264,770.46 construction contract to Road & Driveway to pave the first phase of the city's gravel-road paving program.

Assistant City Engineer Todd Drage presented the phase‑1 project to the council's contract review board on Oct. 20, describing three paving areas in northwest Newport: Northwest Cottage Street and Eighth Street; Northwest 9th and 16th Streets; and Northwest High Street between Sixth and Eighth. Each segment is generally planned for a 20‑foot paving width, adjusted for topography and driveway ties.

Drage said the project was advertised through Oregon Buys, and Road & Driveway submitted the lowest responsive bid. Funding is available from the city's approved FY 2025–26 Street Repair and Improvement Program; the program currently holds approximately $1.38 million in street funds, of which this contract is a portion.

Councilor Aparicio Reyes moved to award the contract; Councilor Eamonn seconded. The council approved the motion and the mayor declared the motion carried.

Why this matters: The contract represents the first implementation step in a citywide effort to reduce maintenance on high‑maintenance gravel roads. City staff said the program will proceed in phases to gain experience and refine cost estimates for future work.

Next steps: Staff will execute the contract after city attorney review and oversee construction, which the city expects to complete during the winter and early spring construction season.