The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority has been awarded a $20 million federal grant to help fund the construction of the agency’s new operations and maintenance facility.

DART purchased 35 acres at 3500 Vandalia Road to move the facility from its current location at 1100 DART Way, just south of downtown. It plans to move into the new facility in late May.

“This [grant] will enable DART to continue the next phase of constructing the new facility, which will improve safety, support efficient operations and open up opportunities for redevelopment in downtown Des Moines,” Des Moines Mayor and DART Commission Chair Connie Boesen said in a news release.

The DART Commission unanimously approved moving forward with phase one of the project in September 2023 and building the project in phases as federal funding is secured.  

The new federal grant will allow DART to present a plan to the DART Commission for phase two, which will focus on constructing what is needed to meet DART’s needs today, which includes storage for more buses, administrative and operations office space, and a bus wash, fueling area and body shop.

DART will continue to serve passengers at its primary transfer facility, DART Central Station, located at 620 Cherry St. in downtown Des Moines.

The transit agency’s current facility has faced several challenges that prevent it from receiving discretionary federal grant dollars for repairs. Built in 1970, the current facility is in poor condition with major electrical and mechanical systems needing to be replaced. It is too small for modern buses, and is prone to flooding in a landlocked area where neighboring parcels have been redeveloped for residential and commercial use.  

According to the news release, the recent grant is the second DART has received through the Federal Transit Administration’s Buses and Bus Facilities program for the project. DART was awarded $17.27 million in 2019.

DART officials say they continue to update design plans based on current funding. 

Funding for the project comes from DART’s capital budget, which is funded separately than revenue used to provide service.

“DART is committed to maximizing taxpayer dollars in providing a service that allows people to get to vital destinations and drives our economy,” Amanda Wanke, DART CEO, said in the release. “To do that efficiently, we need a safe and modern space for our team to prepare vehicles for the road.”

Related story: DART prepares for maintenance facility move