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Posted August 2, 2024
Posted by Public Relations
A new Roads Operation Center (ROC) and fleet maintenance building in Council Bluffs are expected to provide long-anticipated efficiencies for Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads.
The $8.8 million project on Eastern Hills Drive was first conceptualized in 2008, as Pottawattamie County Engineer John Rasmussen identified a need to better align resources for the Secondary Roads department. The process of addressing that concern included consolidating eleven buildings at eleven locations across the county down to eight buildings at seven locations.
“The consolidation was really a result of years of downsizing staff to save budgets, trying to recover from fewer staff with larger equipment, and finally just spreading staff unreasonably thin in more facilities than we needed,” said Rasmussen. “We have about thirty fewer employees than the department had when the original facilities were purchased.”
After waiting for the right time and location to realize the vision for new facilities, property was purchased in July 2021 with construction commencing soon after. The 7,750 square foot ROC was completed in May 2024 and the 18,000 square foot fleet maintenance building was completed in July 2024. Both buildings became fully operational in August.
“This initiative was important to provide a modern space that our mechanics could maintain and repair our fleet without having to utilize outside vendors or complete work outdoors when equipment wouldn't fit in the previous space,” said Rasmussen. “With the office and maintenance facility sharing a location, it provides administrative support to fleet maintenance that wasn't previously provided.”
The two facilities feature several advantages worth highlighting.
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Roads Operation Center |
Fleet Maintenance Facility |
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Administrative staff moved into the ROC from the Courthouse Annex. In addition to the new facilities, Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads utilizes shops in or around Carson, Hancock, Honey Creek, Oakland, Treynor, and Underwood. Discussions about the future of a previously occupied sign shop on Greenview Road in Council Bluffs are ongoing.
The project was largely funded through local option sales tax revenue, with a long-term vision for return on the investment. Officials estimate increased efficiencies of approximately 3%. With an anticipated lifespan of 50 years or more for the structures, the savings created are expected to pay for the project in about 34 years.
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