Temporary Transfer for Customers, Staff of Cedar Rapids Bus Service 

Release Date: August 27, 2008
Release Number: 1763-174

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DES MOINES, Iowa -- Customers and staff of the transit bus system in Cedar Rapids will soon be traveling and working with greater ease.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state of Iowa approved a request made by the City of Cedar Rapids to provide temporary facilities to the Transit Department.

In partnership with the state, FEMA has tasked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with establishing temporary structures to replace facilities lost at the Ground Transportation Center due to flooding.  The USACE will set up four structures for the city. One structure, located at the Transit Bus Garage, will provide office space for administrative staff.  The remaining structures will be located on Second Street at 12th Avenue SE, site of the current bus transfer station. One facility will provide a space for bus drivers, the second for restrooms, and the third will be used as a ticketing office and waiting room for staff and customers. 

When severe thunderstorms and flooding caused extensive damage throughout Cedar Rapids beginning May 25th, bus service came to a halt.  As the floodwaters receded, service resumed on a limited schedule as the Transit Department sought to provide service despite multiple obstacles.  The creation of these facilities for the Transit Department will allow bus services to begin the return to pre-flood service levels.

The approximate cost for these facilities is $500,000, with FEMA's share of $450,000 covering 90 percent of expenses and the state contributing the remaining 10 percent, or $50,000.  The facilities will remain in place for an extended period of time while the damaged structures of the Transit Department are repaired.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Last Modified: Friday, 29-Aug-2008 14:54:43