Thursday, June 25, 2009

Replacing the defunct waste-to-energy plant on Stock Island with a new transportation facility may not be in the cards for the city of Key West.

City commissioners have delayed a vote to approve the development plan for a $7 million facility, questioning its relevance when some buses are nearly empty on certain routes and the city had to subsidize the public transportation program with about $1.2 million last year.

The facility would house the city's bus fleet, a fueling station and a small depot for passengers changing buses from one of the commuter routes that runs to Marathon to a local city bus that serves local shopping centers and the downtown area.

Transportation Director Myra Wittenberg on Wednesday said she is still hopeful for the facility, adding the project, as of now, would be fully funded by grant money.

"I didn't get the opinion that it was a done deal or a dead deal," Wittenberg said.

She is preparing additional documentation for commissioners and currently is reviewing ways to streamline bus routes.

"We're looking at altering, combining and revamping services," Wittenberg said. "And maybe take a couple of buses off the road."

Former City Commissioner Dan Kolhage earlier this month questioned the construction of a new facility for a money-losing operation. City Commissioner Clayton Lopez agreed, but emphasized that many people in his district, which includes Bahama Village, are dependent on city buses, and he wanted to ensure those people continue to be served.

"My stance is that we need to size that plant to the current transportation needs of Key West," Commissioner Teri Johnston said Wednesday. "I think we're in agreement that we have to better target the most active routes."

Johnston also said she would like an outside company to evaluate the city's public transportation needs, and that it should be a company without a vested interest in creating huge transportation plans and facilities.

"We've got routes that aren't utilized," she said. "So there will be many more conversations about this before we move ahead."

Wittenberg said she is eager to answer questions, and wishes she had more time at the last commission meeting.

City officials currently are busy with preliminary budget meetings, so Wittenberg is not expecting the transportation facility to be on the radar again for at least a few weeks.

mbolen@keysnews.com