PSS unveils state-of-the-art bus depot in Lower Base

 Education and government officials gathered in Lower Base yesterday morning for the unveiling of the CNMI Public School System’s state-of-the-art bus depot, considered the first-ever of its type in the Pacific region.

Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan and Board of Education chair Marylou S. Ada led stakeholders and PSS partners in the ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the 13,700-square-foot bus center that will house 19 buses and 8 mini-vans for Saipan students.

Coinciding with yesterday’s occasion was the receipt of five brand new mini-vans for the PSS special education program, funded by the Federal Transportation Administration.

Sablan toured guests around the newly opened building, showing the highlights that include a motor pool with two mechanic pits, the procurement and supply warehouse, a dining hall, a conference room, offices, and storage for tools and equipment, among others. The facility also has an oil containment system, carbon-fitted insulation, and energy-efficient LED lighting.

Sablan said the construction started in May 2011 and was completed this year to the tune of $1.7 million in ARRA funds and a portion of regular grants received by PSS from the FTA. Sablan said this is the first time for PSS to build this kind of project for many years.

Sablan said the project’s completion would ensure the safety of employees of the Pupil Transportation Department as well as PSS’ properties and equipment such as its vehicles. Flooding in the area, she said, was among the major concerns that were addressed with the construction of a well-designed drainage system.

According to Greg Castro, manager of SSFM International that designed the project, the new facility has a covered and secured motor pool that features a tools and parts room and is spacious enough to accommodates the needs of procurement and supply and school bus administration and parking for all buses and vehicles.

He revealed that the company had a number of challenges during the pre-design work such as how to control the drainage discharge; some issues on soil structure; as well as wastewater discharges.

The project’s contractor is Tropex Garden; project manager is RR Group LLC.

Among the guests in yesterday’s event included CNMI Delegate Gregorio Sablan and the governor’s senior policy adviser, Dr. John Joyner, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial. Members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives were also present.