Work on the new water treatment plan in Ironwood is expected to move forward, now that a bid for phase 1 of the project has been awarded. TheDailyGlobe reports the bid for just over $9.5 million has been given to C.D. Smith Construction during a special meeting of the city commission at the end of last month. The project had been at a standstill, due in part to funding issues and higher cost estimates. Financing in the form of grants has come through, so now work will begin. City Manager Paul Anderson said he didn’t expect water rates to go up with this announcement, as they had already been adjusted in anticipation of the project.