The state Department of Transportation determined the bid for the Eagle Harbor Drive/Wyatt Way non-motorized improvement project cannot proceed due to a math error in the bid package, which forced the Bainbridge Island City Council to approve a resolution at its June 17 meeting to reject the bid.

The project requires new bids to continue and the city will republish the call for bids, per city documents. Construction is slated to begin sometime this summer. The council previously awarded the contract June 10, city manager Blair King said.

“So unfortunately, when you have federal money in a project, the Department of Transportation holds the reins on whether a project can be awarded or not, so we are forced to rebid the project,” he said.

BI resident Richard Potter shared his concerns regarding the bid rejection.

“We’ve been waiting so long for this thing, and this is one of the most dangerous roadways on the island that I’d like to see approved,” he said.

Councilmember Clarence Moriwaki shared his thoughts on the resolution.

“It’s disappointing that the local staff thought that this was not an issue and overruled by state staff,” he said. ” I realize that’s out of everyone’s control, but that’s really frustrating to me, and we had a good bid. I’m glad it’s going to be quick. We do have to meet the window for the fish passage project, which is really critical. We’re looking at the bike routes. But really, the really fundamental, big project here is clearing these passages.”