some photo's

photo's by Director Chris Turner

project set to resume

Construction has been at a standstill at the future AppalCART headquarters on the N.C. 105
Bypass for months, but transportation director Chris Turner says work will soon begin again.
Kellen Moore WATAUGA DEMOCRAT

Originally published: 2012-01-23 12:44:46
Last modified: 2012-01-23 12:50:55 AppalCART project set to resume
by Kellen Moore

The wheels of progress often move slowly, and few know that better than the AppalCART staff.

Two and a half years have passed since the town granted a building permit for a new headquarters on the N.C. 105 Bypass, and the structure still sits unfinished.

But AppalCART transportation director Chris Turner and board chairman Jerry Moretz said recent developments will soon spur activity at the site, and completion is again within sight.

“It's been a frustrating project because of a number of reasons, but I think now we are finally poised to get the contractor back to work,” Moretz said.

Problems began to arise in spring 2011, when McCarroll Construction of Arden began to experience financial difficulties, partly due to subcontractors going out of business, Turner said.

Couple that with bitter winters and an overall poor economy, and the going was tough.

An audit was performed on the construction company, followed by a mediation session in August between McCarroll, AppalCART and the N.C. Department of Transportation's Public Transportation Division, which administers state and federal grants.

The parties reached a settlement in which the NCDOT agreed to provide a $300,000 grant to enable McCarroll Construction to resume work, Turner said.

But shortly after, another problem arose when the Federal Transit Administration threatened to not fund a steel canopy system for the bus parking areas. The roughly $700,000 canopies were added through change orders, but the FTA was concerned that the pricey project should have been bid out separately.

But just this month, the FTA resolved the issue and allowed the project to be added via change order.

In the next week or so, passers-by should notice work picking up again at the 23,000-square foot building, Turner said.

Footers will be dug for the canopy, which is intended to provide shelter for the rear of the buses and will allow drivers easier access for maintenance purposes even in severe weather.

The canopy system also is engineered to have no posts in the parking lot, which should make driving and parking easier, Turner said.

Numerous other projects also need to be completed, including the solar and rainwater collection systems, the heating system, some plumbing, generator installation and final indoor finishes.

The staff hopes to move to the new building in May or June, Turner said.

“Most passengers won't see a big difference, but AppalCART staff certainly will,” board member Angie Boitnotte said.

While the construction has blown through its original August 2010 end date, the $5.5 million project funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is on budget, Moretz said.

“It will be a very impressive facility when it's finished,” Moretz said.

Public Hearing Notice

The AppalCART Authority will hold public hearings on January 19, 2012 at 3:30PM in the AppalCART Board Room at 274 Winkler’s Creek Road in Boone regarding AppalCART’s Community Transportation Application, and Job Access and Reverse Commute Application, to the North Carolina Department of Transportation for federal and state funding. The applications must be submitted to the state by January 27, 2012.

AppalCART is the public transportation authority serving Watauga County with fixed route bus service in the Boone area and county -wide van routes under contract with various human service agencies.

The estimated combined total for both grants is approximately $5,200,000 for administrative, operating and capital assistance for July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. This amount includes approximately $2,800,000 in federal and state funds. The local matching share is approximately $2,400,000.

Those interested in attending the public hearings and needing either auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or a language translator should contact Chris Turner on or before January 12th at 828-264-2280 or director@appalcart.com .

The applications may be inspected at the AppalCART office on 274 Winkler’s Creek Rd from 9:00AM until 5:00PM. Monday through Friday starting January 12th. Written comments should be directed to Christopher D. Turner, Transportation Director, POB 2357, Boone, NC 28607 prior to January 18, 2012.

Cutbacks & Closings

Unexpectedly, the General Assembly in Raleigh cut the State Maintenance Assistance Program from $678,494 to $601,630. To achieve the necessary budget reductions, AppalCART has to make cutbacks.

Closed Saturday Dec 24 – Tuesday Dec 27 return on Wed Dec 28
Closed Saturday Dec 31 - Monday Jan 2 return on Tuesday Jan 3

Monday Dec 19, 2011- Saturday Jan 14, 2012 only Red, Green One, POP105 One, Orange One, and Purple will be running. ending at 8PM Mon-Fri and 5PM Saturday’s

Monday Jan 16 – State Farm Shuttle will operate from 4PM – 1:25AM
Tuesday Jan 17 – throughout ASU’s Spring Semester
State Farm Shuttle will stop running at 10PM rather than 11:30PM Mon-Fri
State Farm Shuttle Sundays (or the day before classed begin) will continue 4PM-1:25AM
Summer bus routes will be ending at 8PM

Two full-time positions – Driver and Mechanic – will remain unfilled.

For more information, call 264-2278 or check the website at http://www.appalcart.com/

Gillig Hybrid-BusTraining

AppalCART's Shop Staff
B. A. Arnette, Victor Farthing, Donnie Cox,
Shop Manager Gary Fletcher, Gillig Trainer, and Terry Wolfe

Shop Manager Gary Fletcher, B.A. Arnette, Donnie Cox
Terry Wolfe on top of one of the Gillig hybrid buses
at the battery box.
On Dec 15, 2011, the Gillig Trainer instructed
local emergency responders
at AppalCART
on the Gillig hybrid buses.

Annual Awards Banquet

Monday December 12, 2011 at 5PM after a 3PM Board Meeting

Roger Dotson, Troy Greer, B. A. Arnette, Shop Manager Gary Fletcher, and Terry Wolfe

Kerry Watson, Bill Davis, Rick Davis, and Marchell Miller

Tim McGuire, John Kirk, and Jim Harrison

Jeannine Taylor, Angie Boitnotte, Michelle Brewer, and Barry Sauls

Barry Sauls, John McMillian, James Combs, Alex Sharpe

US News & World Report, and Fall Photo's

AppalCART

According to US News and World Report - Boone is one of the best places to retire in 2012.
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Affordable mountain town: Boone, N.C.
Pricey Aspen and Vail may be beyond your budget, but that doesn't mean you can't spend your retirement years appreciating spectacular mountain views or making runs on the slopes. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone boasts three nearby ski resorts as well as trails for cross country skiing, winter hiking, and snowshoeing. Residents of this small town of 14,000 also have access to one of the country's most scenic roads, the Blue Ridge Parkway. A bonus: Boone provides residents with a free local bus service, AppalCART, and access to many of the amenities at Appalachian State University. In 2010, the median home sale price was $215,250.

photo's by Chris Turner
edited by Joanna Wilcox