The only good thing about the Great Recession is that it saves money on public projects and often gives the people more than they expected.

Expansion of Oak Harbor High School went out to bid about the time the recession was brewing and as a result construction companies, hurting for business, submitted lower bids than anticipated. That left extra money to fulfill projects further down the school district’s “wish list” that weren’t really expected. As a result, the taxpayers of Oak Harbor High District got more for their money and students and teachers benefitted from better facilities.

Something similar is happening with the city of Oak Harbor’s SE Pioneer Way project which, after years of planning, will get under way this year, perhaps as early as next month. The city anticipated paying $5.1 million for the largest portion of the project, but bids came in 10 to 20 percent less.

Now, the mayor expects to have some extra money to spend on marketing and public art, if the council goes along. The marketing plan is meant to mitigate the impact of the project on downtown businesses. As for the art, there has been talk of spending around $80,000 to make the rebuilt street more visually appealing.

Preferably less will be spent on off-island firms in the marketing effort, and more will be put toward art and other amenities, such as benches, the public can enjoy. Perhaps artistic benches would be a good compromise. But either way, it’s nice to have a little extra money to spend. It’s better than having to dig for more money in boom times when busy contractors jack up the price of a project.