Warrenton will spend $2.9 million for construction of a new lift station and other improvements to the city’s sewer system.The work is part of the first phase to upgrade the system following passage of a $15.5 million bond issue in April 2014.Aldermen unanimously awarded a bid for the Water Street lift station and wastewater treatment plant screen headworks to Korte and Luitjohan Contractors, Inc. The Highland, Ill.-based company’s bid was $2,987,284, the lowest of four.The engineer’s project estimate was $2,861,000.The other three bids were submitted by Plocher Construction Company, Highland, $3,205,000; Heggemann, Inc., Warrenton, $3,259,689.76; and Martin General Contractors, Eolia, $3,744,340.The infrastructure improvements are needed to adequately transport waste to the treatment facility and for the waste to be effectively treated at the plant, according to city officials.Jon Kremer, engineer representing Gonzalez Companies, informed the board that Korte and Luitjohan was the contractor on a $40 million wastewater treatment plant expansion that included a life station and headworks in Belleville, Ill. Kremer spoke to the plant operator who provided a strong recommendation.“He said they were the most cooperative, had attention to detail and able to stay on schedule,” Kremer said. “Those are three things I would put high marks on. They are well versed in what they do. As part of their bid, we asked each bidder to identify their subs. It turns out, they will do their own excavation and pipe installation and concrete work. I think, without knowing for sure, just by doing that, that is why they got the low (bid). Others were using subs for either excavating or concrete.”Prior to awarding the bid, some aldermen questioned the difference in the bids amounts.“I find it hard to believe their prices and to be able to come to Warrenton from Highland. Where are their expenses for that?” Ward 1 Alderman Karen Casserly asked.Warrenton