County approves Kraus Anderson low bid and bonding plan for Central Range Transportation Building

The St. Louis County Board authorized architectural and engineering services and approved proceeding with a low construction bid from Kraus Anderson for the Central Range Transportation Building. Staff reported Kraus Anderson as the low bidder at $30,800,000 and outlined additional project costs — furnishings, equipment, utility extensions and site work — that raise the total program cost closer to figures staff cited in board materials (approximately $38M–$44M in combined project and contingency spending).

County staff said $44 million of bonds were sold to deliver the project, and that transportation sales tax will be used as the repayment source. The board discussed project timing and expects construction to be underway with a target occupancy before the 2027–28 snow season (staff noted a goal of September 2027). Commissioners asked about potential overruns related to site conditions; staff said variability is typically highest for site work and that the county will better understand cost exposure after initial excavation.

Staff also described potential secondary uses of bonding savings to address other county campus repairs and improvements. The board approved the contract authorization and related administrative amendments recommended by county attorneys by voice vote.

Staff said the project aims to centralize maintenance facilities, improve energy efficiency and provide training and conference space for county departments. The authorization covers contract administration, testing and other pre-construction tasks; additional budgetary decisions tied to contingency or subsequent campus investments will come back to the board as needed.