SMSU approves parking facility construction bid

The intermodal transfer facility will be at the corner of Grand and Holland streets, according to an SMSU news release.

Included in the project funding is a series of Federal Transit Administration grants worth $10.8 million obtained by Congressman Roy Blunt. SMSU will commit up to $1 million from its parking reserve account and expects to secure the approximately $3.6 million balance from the sale of revenue bonds.

“We are very appreciative of Congressman Blunt’s sustained efforts to encourage funding for this new facility, and we are eager to begin construction of this project,” said Greg Burris, SMSU’s vice president for administration and finance, in the release.

Construction of the intermodal transfer facility begins this month.

The four-story structure will help SMSU to satisfy an increased need for parking. Although the school has closed Lot 38 at the corner of Grant and Holland, nearly 500 spaces were added during the summer to make up for the temporary loss of the 360 spaces in Lot 38.

Once completed, the new facility will provide parking for 1,240 vehicles. It will have a dedicated transitway linking the structure with existing transitways. Users who park in the facility will be able to leave their automobiles and have direct access to campus pedestrian walkways, SMSU shuttle buses and City Utilities bus service.

The intermodal transfer facility also will have an enclosed waiting area and an outdoor shuttle loading area.

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