Cheney saves money during tough economic times

Falling oil prices, more competition help reduce construction material costs on some of city projects

By DAVID TELLER

Staff Reporter

The current economic crisis has a silver lining: prices are dropping, which is a big benefit to the city of Cheney.

Public works director Todd Ableman said although he doesn't have an exact figure, the city has saved millions of dollars on its projects. He suggested that it's possible that the fewer number of area-wide projects available might also contribute to contractors offering lower bids.

Ableman said city officials were leery of the cost of construction at...