The price of a street paving project in St. Paul is raising questions.

A one-block stretch of Goodrich Avenue is being repaved in expensive brick rather than asphalt, which is much cheaper.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS tried to get answers about this project from St. Paul's elected leaders, without any luck.

Fiscal watchdogs have taken notice and question this expensive project in tough economic times.

The city could have paved the street in asphalt for about $46,000. Instead, brick pavers will cost $304,000. The city will pay 75-percent of that increased cost of $258,000.

Homeowners on one side of the street and the University of St. Thomas on the other side, will pay the other 25-percent.

"Budgets are difficult everywhere. Why would you spend money to put in brick when you could put in asphalt?," said Phil Krinke with the Taxpayers League of Minnesota.

The President of the Taxpayers League of Minnesota says taxpayers shouldn't have to help pay for such an expensive project, when most streets get the less expensive asphalt.

"I don't know why this street is more historic than the other side of Cretin Avenue," said Krinke.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS tried for two days to get the Mayor of St. Paul or any city council member to talk on camera about the city's policy of paying for street projects like this. So far, no one has agreed to.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman was too busy with meetings. City Council President Kathy Lantry said it "doesn't affect her or her ward."

The council approved the project unanimously last spring, which stuns mayoral candidate Eva Ng.

"The residents of St. Paul need to wake up and be more watchful of what's going on in the city council," said Ng.

This project is in the ward of council member Pat Harris. He was in Chicago Monday on business, but did tell 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he plans to raise this funding issue with the council.