News & Updates

Maintenance Annex construction progress, September 22, 2009

Maintenance Annex construction progress, October 23, 2009

Maintenance Annex construction progress, November 20, 2009

 Maintenance Annex construction progress, December 22, 2009

Maintenance Annex construction progress, February 4, 2010

TARC Awards Contracts for Economic Stimulus Projects, 7/1/09

TARC has awarded four contracts for capital projects funded through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). The projects represent nearly $9 million in construction and equipment purchases and are estimated to create as many as 154 jobs.

The ARRA legislation was passed in February and is designed to stimulate the economy by creating jobs and expanding “green” jobs. TARC will receive just over $18 million. “TARC is proud to be among the first recipients in the country to put its ARRA funds to work creating jobs and bringing TARC’s infrastructure up to date,” said TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker.

In all, 31 bids were submitted for the projects, which was an unusually high level of interest. These are the contracts that were awarded in June, all to local businesses:

Maintenance Annex
Estimated cost: $4.5 million
Purpose: New LEED-certified building that will house training and maintenance facilities.
Contractor: Brasch-Barry General Contractors

Union Station Bus Barn Roof Repair
Estimated Cost: $1.6 million
Purpose: To replace 30-year-old roof
Contractor: Highland Roofing co., Inc.

29th Street Bus Barn Rehabilitation
Estimated Cost: $1.9 million
Purpose: To upgrade 30-year-old building and improve energy conservation
Contractor: Shelcon Construction Co., LLC

Union Station Emergency Generators
Estimated cost: $800,000
Purpose: To replace outdated, defective generators and provide sufficient, reliable energy during power outages at Union Station.
Contractor: Marine Electric Co., Inc.

The TARC maintenance annex, a 14,000-square-foot building to be constructed south of Union Station off 10th street, is expected to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification. The building will feature a green roof, a bio-swale, solar panels and a “grey water” recycling system. The building was slated for construction in 2008, but was deferred because the funds were needed to buy additional buses. TARC expects construction on the annex to begin in early July.

The remainder of TARC’s ARRA funds will be used to purchase up to 10 additional hybrid-electric buses, which are expected to be in operation by Summer of 2010. TARC will also purchase four new paratransit vans that will serve people with disabilities and additional security cameras for TARC buses. 

Another $3.5 million will fund TARC operations, which is the maximum allowed and will preserve dozens of existing jobs at TARC.

TARC To Receive Stimulus Funding, 3/19/09

TARC will receive $17.6 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to invest in building construction, rehabilitation of facilities and new buses. A new maintenance facility and 10 additional hybrid-electric buses top the list of TARC projects. Not only will the projects create jobs but will also improve air quality and support the growth of “green” jobs.

“These are exciting projects that will not only put people to work, they’ll leave our city’s environment greener and they’ll create a lasting legacy,” Mayor Jerry Abramson said.

The federal legislation, known as ARRA and signed into law on Feb. 17, is designed to stimulate the economy by creating new jobs and investing in the country’s infrastructure. TARC’s projects are expected to create 250 jobs, the majority of which will be local. A detailed list of the projects and the jobs to be created is attached.

“These are projects that TARC has had to defer year after year to maintain service on the street and keep our fares affordable,” said TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker. “We are now able to upgrade our facilities and buses and continue to provide the top-notch service our customers desire.”
The following is the list of TARC’s proposed projects:

CAPITAL PROJECTS	FEDERAL
Hybrid Buses (10)	$5,371,871
Facility Construction (Annex)	$5,521,679
Shop Equipment (Generators)	$912,321
Facility Rehabilitation (10th St. Barn Roof)	$2,182,345
Facility Rehabilitation (29th St. Barn)	$2,466,661
Capital Cost of Contracting	$1,200,000
TOTAL CAPITAL	$17,654,877

With the addition of 10 hybrid buses, and three new ones arriving this summer, TARC’s fleet of hybrids will expand to 22 buses. These vehicles have proven to be an excellent investment. They get better fuel economy, reduce pollution-causing emissions, require little maintenance and provide a quieter and smoother ride for TARC’s customers.
The TARC maintenance annex, to be constructed south of Union Station off 10th street, is a 14,000-square foot building that will be used for training operators and mechanics and will include bus cleaning bays. TARC is seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification for the building, which will feature a green roof, a bio-swale, solar panels and a “grey water” recycling system. The building was slated for construction in 2008 but was deferred because the funds were needed to buy additional buses.
It is expected that the annex construction will begin by June. The hybrids are expected to be delivered to TARC in Summer 2010. TARC is seeking approval from the U. S. Federal Transit Administration to proceed with the projects using funds that are allocated by ARRA to transit agencies in all of the nation’s urbanized area. The formula is based on the area’s population and will be among the first funds available for expenditure. The funds are reserved for capital investments and cannot be used to expand bus service.