Background/Justification:
Katy ISD currently has two fully operational transportation centers serving the district- the East Center, north of Mayde Creek High School, and the West Center, north of Hutsell Elementary off of Franz Road in the City of Katy. The West Center is at parking capacity; the East Center is nearly at parking capacity.  In recent years, it has been necessary to relocate bus runs previously served out of the West Center to the East Center due to the lack of parking.

The need for a third transportation center in the southwest sector of the District was identified both in the 2002 Long Range Facilities Plan and in the 2006 bond planning discussions to address the growth of the District and the operational efficiencies a center in that area can provide because of the time and distance required to service that area.  The site was identified on property owned by the District adjacent to Rylander Elementary.  However, funding for the construction of the South Center was withdrawn from consideration by the 2006 Bond Planning Committee in its final deliberations.

From savings in other construction projects, construction of Phase I of the South Center was approved in 2009.  Use of this facility, which will have parking for approximately 70 buses, is targeted to begin in the 2010/11 school year.  In addition to establishing a transportation center presence in the southwest part of the District, Phase I will provide some routing efficiencies for this high-growth area. 

The funds allotted in this recommendation are expected to create parking for approximately 40-45 more buses. The additional bus parking creates routing efficiencies and operational cost savings for this sector of the District.