Transit commission approves RFP for building condition assessment and feasibility study

The Wausau Transit Commission voted unanimously Jan. 16 to release a request for proposals for a condition assessment and renovation/relocation feasibility study for the agency’s operations building.

Transit Director (name not stated) told commissioners she has worked with the county metropolitan planning organization and emailed firms that typically perform facility feasibility work 30 days before making the RFP public, as required by city rules. “We already have the funding for it,” the director said, adding there would be “no additional monies requested” and no budget amendment required. She said she contacted SRF, which has worked with the agency on a technology update, and that several companies have responded and are “looking forward to seeing the RFP posted on the website.”

The director told commissioners she hopes the study can be completed “by the end of the year.” Commissioner Lukens moved to approve issuing the RFP; Commissioner Zorn seconded. Chair (name not stated) called for the vote and the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: the feasibility study will inform whether the transit agency should renovate its existing facility or relocate operations, which could affect long-term operating costs and service logistics. Commission discussion focused on the procurement steps and attracting multiple bidders rather than on the merits of particular renovation options.

Next steps: staff will post the RFP later this month and return with results from the procurement and a timeline for the study.