>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

lighting the way: 36 new street lamps are set to light up Division Street evenings in Elgin. The lighting project, which began last November, is expected to be completed this week. - The Observer/TRISH YERGES

This marks the last phase of the Highway 204 reconstruction project of November 2006. At that time, the city lacked the funds to buy and install the lamp posts and luminaries.

But with the help of ODOT’s Ken Patterson, the city applied for an ODOT Quick-Fix grant last August and received $68,000 earmarked for the purchase of 36 lamp posts and luminaries. The city would bear the cost of the electrical services and wiring.

Last October, the Elgin City Council approved the lowest bid of $11,358.79 from All Phase Electrical Construction for electrical services and wiring for the 36 lamp poles and luminaries.

Scot Leonard and Aaron Romer of La Grande are partners in the business.

“We began pulling wire in November,” said Leonard, “and came back Wednesday to stand the poles.”

Dan Cregger, an employee of All Phase Electrical, was fastening the last 14-foot-tall lamp post to its base Thursday evening. The few remaining luminaries will be put in place Friday.

“After that we’re waiting on OTEC to get the power to them, hopefully Friday,” said Romer.