Symbolic removal of first bolt marks start of 18-month contract.
It’s a demolition contract that has seen more ups and downs than a stripper’s undergarments. But the on/off demolition of East Austin’s Holly Street power plant finally got underway this past weekend with a ceremony to remove the first bolt.
The power plant was officially shut down in September 2007. Four years later, the city and Austin Energy are moving forward with removing this massive structure. It’s supposed to take 18 months for the power plant to be dismantled. Once it’s cleared, 9.2 acres of the land will be turned into a city park.
The bidding process for a company to remove the plant was controversial. The city ultimately selected TRC Environmental, and will pay the company $11 million, less than half the $24.9 million the company originally bid.
“It’s going to be fascinating to watch how it’s taken apart, and I think the public will be very happy with the results at the end,” said Larry Weis from Austin Energy.
Austin Energy officials say crews won’t work after 6 p.m. during the week and will not work on weekends to cut down on noise.
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