The City of Spokane, Wash., is constructing a main fleet facility that will consolidate the maintenance and repair of the City’s vehicles. The City currently has three aging vehicle maintenance facilities. The Nelson Service Center, to be located in a corner of a 32-acre, City-owned site, will consolidate the Solid Waste and Street departments with Fleet operations, including fueling stations, vehicle washing, and repair facilities. The City expects this new consolidated center to reduce travel time and fuel costs. The center will also allow the City to convert its Solid Waste vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) over a 10-year period.

The City expects the Nelson Service Center to cost between $12 million and $14 and anticipates it will generate savings over 10 years to cover the cost of construction. These savings are expected to come from operational efficiencies ($2 million) and the CNG conversion ($7 million). Once the entire solid waste fleet is replaced, officials estimate fuel savings could total up to $1 million annually.

“In all our work, we are seeking to provide greater value for our citizens,” Rick Romero, utilities division director, said. “This project allows for more efficient and effective services and provides a solution that is both financially and environmentally responsible.”

Responses to the City’s request for qualifications (RFQs) from design-build teams are due today. In September, the City will select three teams to compete for the final contract. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2014, with the building expected to open in the summer of 2015.