DART is constructing an Operations & Maintenance Facility that will replace our aging facility at 1100 DART Way to better support daily bus service to Greater Des Moines. Because a new facility will be primarily funded using competitive federal grants, building a new facility will cost local taxpayers less and allow DART to operate more efficiently and effectively long-term.
Why a new facility?
We have operated out of our Operations & Maintenance Facility at 1100 DART Way since 1978. Most areas of the facility are approaching 50 years and need major updates and repairs.
Take a tour to see the current facility’s condition:
In September 2023, the DART Commission unanimously approved beginning Phase 1 of building a new facility.
Reasons for this decision include:
- The current facility is in poor condition – having experienced multiple flooding events – and is in a flood plain directly adjacent to the Racoon River.
- Most major electrical and mechanical systems need replacement, with the building's electrical system in an underground tunnel that is 50 years old.
- Buildings are undersized for modern buses, causing inefficiencies.
- DART has outgrown the current facility and is landlocked within a growing residential area.
Photos of the current facility during flooding.
Because of multiple challenges, DART would likely not receive discretionary federal grants to renovate our existing facility, putting more of the repair costs on local taxpayers. Repairing the existing facility would still not meet our current infrastructure needs or address other challenges.
Investing in a new facility will allow DART to improve efficiencies in operations, provide a safer and more functional workspace for our staff, and minimize taxpayer costs. The space will also reduce on-property accidents with wider garage doors and the ability to move around the property without using high-traffic public roads.
How is the project being funded?
All transit agencies (and local governments) have an operating budget and a capital budget.
DART’s operating budget covers ongoing expenses like providing daily bus services, including operator wages, fuel, and insurance. DART’s operating budget does have some federal funding included (in a typical year, less than 10% of the budget) but is primarily funded through fares, property taxes, contracts with partners and other local funding. Learn more about how DART’s operating budget is funded.
Funding for the new Operations and Maintenance facility will come from competitive discretionary federal grants and DART’s capital budget. Capital expenses are items that have a useful life greater than one year and typically are costly items, such as buses, building remodels, and large equipment. Our capital budget is comprised primarily of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) annual formula funding, with a required 20% local match, as well as local funds set aside in past years.
What is the cost?
Phase 1 is fully funded at $35 million, with 75% from federal funding and 25% from local funding. The project will wrap up in May and is coming in under budget.
Phase 2 is currently being planned, and a final projected budget will be determined during the design phase. With the ability to apply for federal funds for future phases, building a new facility will be a long-term term investment with minimal local taxpayer dollars.
Staying in the current facility would cost an estimated $63 million local taxpayer investment in new buildings, infrastructure, and site improvements. This estimate was conducted in 2022 and could be higher today. A renovated facility would still be prone to flooding and would not meet all of DART's needs today and in the future. It also would keep DART in a downtown location where there is growing residential and commercial development.
Rendering of the new facility.
What is the timeline?
Phase 1 of the project is currently underway and remains on time and under budget. It includes purchasing land for a new facility, completing facility design, and constructing most of the maintenance building. Construction began in fall 2024 and the garage is expected to be complete by May 2026.
DART is working on plans for Phase 2, with the goal of getting closer to moving out of DART Way. Phase 2 will likely include a maintenance building, bus storage, and an administrative office building. Details about Phase 2 will be determined by around Fall 2026.
How do I stay updated on the project?
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