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SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Board of Public Utilities on Thursday voted to proceed with negotiations to buy properties on the north side of College Street between Main and Grant avenues for a new bus transfer station. The board voted in closed session, with eight in favor and one abstention. The board governs City Utilities of Springfield, which operates the city’s commercial bus service.
The proposed 2.7-acre site consists of properties owned by five separate parties. This site is the second location identified as a potential location in City Utilities’ third site study. Property near Kimbrough Avenue at Elm Street was the first location from that study, but neighbors objected and one property owner decided to use his property for a new apartment building.
Discussion about building a bigger transfer station to replace the one near Park Central Square began in 2006. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) provided $1.63 million in 2006 and an additional $1.47 million in 2008.
While negotiations can proceed with this approval from the Board, final property acquisition will require authorization from the FTA.
“We’re extremely hopeful that this location will be acquired for the transfer station,” CU General Manager Scott Miller said in a news release. “When completed, the new station will better serve public transit users for many years to come, and it will be a great addition for our community and the downtown area.”
The Board of Public Utilities has included approximately $4.6 million in the current Operating Plan for the project.