Waukee Community Schools and City of Waukee Plan New Transportation Facility


FloodedBuses

Currently, the Waukee Community School District’s bus fleet is parked more than four miles outside of Waukee in an area prone to flooding.

The Waukee City Council approved a plan to trade City land with the Waukee Community School District, which will enable the district to build a new centrally located transportation facility near the existing Waukee Public Works Building. The new facility will be located near the intersection of 6th Street and University Avenue.

“This is really such a win-win situation. We worked with the school district in finding an appropriate location for this facility that will also work for them many years into the future as the City and district continue to grow,” said City of Waukee Development Services Director Brad Deets. “Constructing the facility next to Public Works also benefits the City. The location is conveniently located for a majority of the City’s vehicles and will save on fueling costs and increase efficiencies.”The plan includes two new buildings to serve the school district – a 5,000 square foot building with restrooms, bus driver offices, mechanics bays and a wash bay, and a 7,200 square foot building with offices and storage space. A joint fueling station will also be included at the new facility for both City and school district use. In addition to the structures, a new stormwater retention basin will be constructed to help with flooding issues in the area. The school district is contributing to the cost of the basin, and the City will own and maintain it.

Currently, the Waukee Community School District’s bus fleet is parked more than four miles outside of Waukee. The new central location and the ability to purchase fuel in bulk with the City will lead to an anticipated $200,000 or more in district savings each year. The City will also save about 8 cents per gallon as part of the bulk purchasing.

“We are really pleased to be able to partner with the City to increase our efficiencies and lower the district’s cost for transportation,” Waukee Superintendent Dave Wilkerson said. “This facility should also allow us to provide better service to families district-wide.”

The school district traded land near the intersection of L.A. Grant Parkway and Westown Parkway to the City as part of the agreement. Construction on the $10 million project is set to begin this spring.