COTA to hold public hearing on new building

Alfreda P. Camacho

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 from 6pm to 7pm at the Tanapag Youth Center for its proposed administrative building and maintenance facility in Lower Base.

The COTA building will be built in an existing industrial area, which is consistent with the area’s land use and zoning requirements. Currently, the project is in the design phase and is 100-percent federally funded.

Once construction is completed, COTA will relocate from its temporary office at the second floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe to the new building in Lower Base.

“The public, especially nearby businesses and residents, are encouraged to attend the public information hearing. COTA’s architectural/engineering consultants will present the 30 percent design progress, including the perspective rendering. COTA hopes that this meeting will gather feedback and answer questions from the public and local regulatory agencies,” said Alfreda P. Camacho, special assistant for public transportation.

The final design will focus on the construction of a combined structure with approximately 10,900 square feet of total floor space. The administrative building will have a reception area for easy customer access, a conference room, and office space for employee and rider interactions, the One-Call/One-Click Center, and restrooms.

The maintenance facility will include two maintenance bays, exterior bus wash station and tool storage. Other proposed site improvements include onsite water storage and distribution, backup emergency generator, paved parking and driveways, sidewalks, landscaping, ponding basins, fencing, and exterior lighting. The entire facility will be designed and constructed to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres expressed his support for the new facility, while underscoring the importance of having a one-stop center for residents and riders to access for transportation needs.

“This is another important step for COTA as we continue to finalize our transportation plan,” Torres said. “The new public transportation system would help get workers to their jobs and assist those who are looking for job opportunities and give residents an alternative to making their way throughout our island in an environmentally friendly manner. This facility will make it easy for residents to access and interact with our public transportation professionals.”

For any questions or would like to learn more about the project, contact COTA at 664-2682.