While a shovel has yet to touch the dirt, the project to replace 6th Avenue water and sewer lines is already over-budget.
Digging was supposed to start this past Spring, but engineering plans still need to be finalized.
Mayor Mike Ruttan said the cost of contractors has risen significantly since original budget estimates as there’s a shortage of qualified workers on the island, and all municipalities are paying more for infrastructure projects as a result.
He said the $1.7 million infrastructure and paving project now might have to wait until next year.