SELMA – Ground was broken Wednesday afternoon at the future site of the Johnston County Area Transit System facility in Selma.
Johnston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Butch Lawter said, “This facility not only paves the way for the implementation of expanded public transportation in Johnston County, it also serves as a physical representation of our continued investment to better serve our residents.”
JCATS is a division of Community & Senior Services of Johnston County, operating a fleet of over 30 buses and vans. They offer transport through contracting with human services agencies and for the general public. The new facility will allow for expanded services and better accommodations for riders and drivers.
Neal Davis, JCATS executive director, explained the design and layout of the new facility. Community and Senior Services Board Chair Jimmie Parker, CSS Board Member Rev. Billie Lawson, representatives from Bobbitt Construction and North Carolina Department of Transportation Division 4 Engineer, Kevin Bowen also made remarks at the event.
In addition to their day-to-day transportation duties, JCATS plays a vital role in Johnston County Emergency Services‘ emergency operation plan. JCATS provides transportation to shelters during times of natural disaster, inclement weather and other evacuation emergencies. This facility will enhance those critical operations during times of crisis.
Currently, JCATS operates out of an outdated 2,000 square foot modular office unit. The unit is limited to no more than 20 occupants but they have 40 employees with no space for training or a passenger waiting area. The new 11,040 square foot building will provide adequate space for employees as well as room for future expansion.
The new building is designed, if needed, to serve as an evacuation shelter or staging area for emergency response teams.
