Stacy and Witbeck win Detroit M1 contract

Alameda, Calif.-based construction company Stacy and Witbeck Inc. on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, was awarded a contract to oversee implementation of Detroit's M1 Rail streetcar line, winning out over four competitive bids. The amount of the contract has not yet been disclosed.

A Detroit-based company, White Construction Co., has been subcontracted by Stacy and Witbeck to work on the project, M1 Rail said.

The Stacy and Witbeck bid contract reportedly will cover all major construction, such as the tracks, power control, and passenger stations, along the 3.3-mile initial segment.

Future bids will include an estimated $9.5 million for construction of a vehicle storage and maintenance facility, $27 million for six streetcars, and for a private-sector company to operate and maintain the streetcar system.

Private-sector backers of the project include the Kresge Foundation, the Penske Corp., and Quicken Loans, among others.

Last April the Federal Transit Administration gave final environmental approval to the project. Last January M1 Rail secured $25 million in federal funding to help advance the project.