AUSTIN — The City Council accepted Albert Lea-based Ulland Brothers Inc. as the construction company to lead a $9.2 million project to erect floodwalls along North Main Street from the Austin Municipal Pool to the former Sinclair Gas Station property and raise the road.

The company was the only bidder. A representative with The Joseph Company of Austin urged the council to add three weeks to the bidding process so it could submit a bid, noting the company could save the city $500,000 to $1 million.

Jeff Carlson, vice president of Ulland Brothers, talked about the short window to start the project. He mentioned there is already a delay getting some of the building materials, which could be further delayed after a rebid.

The city wants work to begin this winter while the water table is low and mentioned there could be delays with spring runoff and high water.