Boone officials re-start process after getting zero bids for Howard St. improvements

A request for bids to revitalize downtown Boone’s Howard Street came back with no response from contractors.

The first deadline for bids was in August. Boone Public Works Director Todd Moody says three proposals had to be submitted for the bids to be opened — but none came in.

The project has been re-advertised with a new deadline of October 10. Those bids can be opened even if only one is submitted. Moody says the proposals then would have to be approved by the town council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The project is being funded largely through a roughly $9.7 million loan from the USDA.

Howard Street is parallel to King Street, Boone’s main downtown artery. The project would span about 1,500 feet from Appalachian Street to Burrell Street. 

Plans include making that stretch entirely one-way westbound, moving the utility lines underground and beautifying the area with landscaping, plantings and improved street lighting.

Moody says if a bid is approved work will likely begin in 2025.