By WMBD-TV
BLOOMINGTON – During the Bloomington City Council Committee of the Whole meeting Monday night, updates were given on the Connect Transit Downtown Transfer Station.
The upcoming station is funded by grants awarded to the city back in the 2019 fiscal year. $10 million is coming from State grants and $8 million is from federal grants.
In the 2020 and 2021 fiscal years, members decided on the former Pantagraph building for the location.
However, it was soon found that the Pantagraph building wouldn’t be viable with the cash on hand. A second site, the Market Street Parking Deck, was chosen as an alternative.
A National Environmental Protection Act study was done for the parking deck by June 2023. They found that the parking deck would be complimentary for the upcoming transfer station without any major issues. The Federal Transit Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation concurred with NEPA by September.
The project was split into two different tracks, one for architecture and engineering and one for lease agreements and intergovernmental agreements. Both were concluded by February 2024.
Presently, the project is in the evaluation phase. An evaluation committee of city and Connect staff will evaluate the project. Top ranking proposers will be interviewed followed by price negotiations. A formal recommendation will be made at the May 28 city council meeting.
Upcoming steps include finalizing the land purchase arrangement and beginning the design phase.
As of now, the design is expected to include an indoor waiting area, 10 covered bus bays, leasable space for offices or retail, and new parking.
Public open houses will be held throughout the process.
