Audit Finds Denver Oversight Failures Added Millions to 16th Street Project
By Nicole C. Brambila | The Denver Gazette
Surprise historic sewer discovery delayed completion a year, cost $18M
The Denver Auditor recently found significant oversight and contracting problems with the $175.6 million 16th Street Improvement Project, including an $18 million contract increase and a nearly one-year extension that bypassed City Council review.
The report also found that inadequate planning for historic brick sewers contributed to the overruns, even after one of the three qualified contractors withdrew from bidding because of utility risks. The city proceeded without fully investigating those risks, which later contributed to the $18 million increase and nearly yearlong delay.
“Because the city did not consider the sewer while planning...