By Tim SchmidtRecord Managing EditorA project to reconstruct Hickory Lick Road will cost a little over $1 million, though more than half will be covered by grant funds.Last week, Warrenton aldermen awarded the contract for the road improvement project to Karrenbrock Construction. The New Melle-based company submitted a bid for $1,010,959.67, the lowest of three received.Other bids were received from Cannon General Contractors ($1,070,680) and Kuesel Excavating Co. ($1,295,795.30).A vote to award the bid was 5-1 in support. Ward 2 Alderman Gary Auch was the lone board member opposing the project.Hickory Lick Road is located on the north side of Warrenton, off Highway 47. The street leads to the athletic complex.The project consists of removing the existing road and replacing it with an approximately 24-foot-wide, 8-inch-thick concrete street. The section of the road that will be upgraded is from Highway 47 to just east of Jaspering Lane.Terri Thorn, director of operations/finance officer, said a time line for when the work will occur has yet to be completed, but construction will be done so that it does not impact games and practices at the complex. Details for a temporary road to be used by motorists in the area also are still being finalized, she added.The driving surface on Hickory Lick has been deteriorating for years as it has received heavy use from travelers to the athletic complex. In continuing to oppose the project, Auch questioned the amount being spent and thought the scope of work could be reduced.“I’ve stated this numerous times, I’m opposed to spending this much money for a road that goes to a ball field so that people can feel better about their experience coming to Warrenton and watching their kid play ball,” he remarked. “We have plenty of other streets that need resurfacing and improvement.”Other city officials disagree, stating that the road should be a priority.Mayor Mike Shilharvey attributed to an increase of almost $2 million in additional sales at city businesses were the result of baseball and softball tournaments being played at the athletic complex. He also noted that grant funds were paying a large portion of the project.“Those are things to be taken into consideration,” Shilharvey said.Hickory Lick project to cost $1 million