Pictured in the newly completed Harmony town highway barn are: Brian Manwaring; former state Sen. Cathy Young; Tim Card, Harmony highway superintendent; Scott Daniels; and Garret Eggleston. Submitted photo

The town of Harmony recently held a dedication ceremony for the completed addition to the town highway building with current and past elected town officials and highway workers present, as well as former state Sen. Catharine Young.

The original building had become outdated, and with newer trucks equipped with snowplows and sanders, highway workers could not walk around the back or front end of the rigs when in the old garage for maintenance. Previous administrations had established a building fund that had grown to enough money to pay for most of the addition while Young helped secure a $150,000 SAM grant through the state.

John Brown, Harmony supervisor, said the completion of the project was in large part due to the work of Todd Eddy, former town supervisor, and Tim Card, highway superintendent. Brown stated without their efforts the building wouldn’t have been completed. The town was able to act as the general contractor and subcontract each component for the building, saving the town money

“Our own highway guys dug the foundations, set the tanks and drain lines, welded rebar, helped pour concrete, assisted in exterior siding, all of this lowering the cost for the overall project,” Brown said.

Pete Radka donated his time for all the drawing work for the building.

Card’s connection with neighboring municipalities helped Harmony share services with Busti, North Harmony, Chautauqua and Lakewood. Additional help came from local contractors Steve Hook and Chad Devlieger. C&R Construction, the steel building contractor on the project, worked with town officials on design and quality of construction.

No additional tax money was needed to finish the building. The total cost was $280,000, compared to an estimated price bid price of between $450,000 and $500,000.