COTA breaks ground on paratransit facility

On Wednesday, Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) officials, community leaders and customers will gather to celebrate the construction of a new paratransit facility for Mainstream, COTA's demand response transportation service for persons with disabilities.          

The 100,000-square-foot facility will be built on COTA's Fields Avenue Campus and house administrative, eligibility and customer care functions, as well as operations and maintenance for up to 104 paratransit vehicles.  

The $23.8 million project is being partially funded with $13.6 million in federal funds, with $4.2 million of that amount coming from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds. The facility is scheduled for completion in November 2010.        

In 2008, Mainstream provided nearly 180,000 trips to persons with disabilities. So far in 2009, nearly 100,000 trips have been provided.

COTA is seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the facility in accordance with COTA's commitment to sustainability.