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Why Was A Local Bid On The Woodward Rail Project Rejected?

DETROIT (WWJ) - The head of the M-1 rail project in Detroit is denying claims that a local contractor lost out on work as a result of being caught up in the failed jail debacle.

Paul Childs, COO of M-1 Rail, says the controversy surrounding Walbridge Construction's involvement in the Wayne County jail project is not the reason why the company's bid to do work on the 3.3-mile Woodward Ave. light rail system was rejected.

"I cannot award a contract based upon a location," Child's told WWJ City Beat Reporter Vickie Thomas. "I cannot, alright? It's prohibited by procurement polices.

"So, we have money in this project from the federal government, and as a result of that we have to adhere to, you know, the policies and procedures that are out there," he said.

Hear the complete interview:

Interview: Paul Childs

[Listen on your mobile device]

The contract for the Woodward rail project eventually went to California company.

Construction on the Wayne County jail, originally budgeted to cost $300 million, was halted in June after county officials received a report from AECOM which said the actual cost had increased to $391 million.

There's been a lot of finger-pointing over the failed jail, but John Rakolta Jr., chairman and CEO of Walbridge Construction, said his company is not at fault.

CATCH UP: Contractor: Failed Jail Caused Loss Of M-1 Rail Project; Awarded To Cali. Company

Feds Approve $140M Woodward Light Rail Project

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