<div><p><p>Wiregrass Transit Authority is packing up. </p> <p> "Barring any technical issues, we hope to have network connectivity Monday," director John Sorrell said of the group’s move to the Dixie Depot. </p> <p>It’s been a long wait, as the Federal Highway Administration project began nearly 10 years ago. Ernie Stokes, civil engineer for the city, said the project got passed around among Alabama Department of Transportation and city officials before finally landing on his desk. Construction began last fall. </p> <p>“The construction prices when it all started, until we could do it, dang near doubled,” Stokes said. “There was a lot of shifting around of personnel on our end and ALDOT’s end. It died several ugly deaths.” </p> <p> Sorrell, who is more than doubling his space, said, “We did not do this on the express plan.” </p> <p>The project carries a $1.35 million price tag, with $1.28 million going to the general contractor, GenCon Associates of Dothan. Additional expenses include $16,500 for fiber optic lines and $22,000 for furnishings. </p> <p>Stokes said in-kind work considered part of the 20 percent local match includes the $56,000 refurbishing of the water tower, which is on the depot footprint, the $127,800 value of the building, landscaping, storm drainage work, lighting and up to six years of man hours. </p> <p>On Tuesday, city officials approved a 30-year lease for $100 per year. Wiregrass Transit will pay all utilities and the city will be responsible for major repair work. </p> <p>Wiregrass Transit offices will be on the second floor of the 6,000-square-foot depot. Landmark Park will help establish museum displays on the first floor. There will also be space for future rural planning organizations and a passenger transfer station on the first floor. </p> <p> “It is a really neat thing to have a part in saving a Dothan icon,” Sorrell said. </p> <p>Wiregrass Transit is currently housed with Southeast Alabama Regional Planning & Development Commission in the Houston County Administrative Building. </p> <p> The group pays $3,500 per month for the entire fourth floor of the building and is listed as the lessee on the depot contract with the city. </p></p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=33522745&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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