Transportation

Bunker Hill Man Injured in Miami County Crash

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:06:50 -0700

PERU, IN - Today, at approximately 11:43 a.m., the Indiana State Police and Peru Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 31 and Miami County Road 100 North that injured a Bunker Hill, IN man.

Preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police Sergeant Rick Brown revealed that Terry L. Dean, 58, Bunker Hill, IN, was driving a 2006 Dodge pickup truck, owned by S.M. and P. Utility Resources, northbound on U.S. 31. Dean was stopped for a red light at the intersection of U.S. 31 and County Road 100 North when he was rear ended by a 2006 International tractor trailer driven by Alan M. Watkins, 36, Walkerton, IN. The tractor trailer is owned by Deans Transportation and was pulling an empty box trailer.

Dean was transported by ambulance to Dukes Memorial Hospital with a complaint of pain and lacerations to his head.

“This was a high impact crash, stated Sergeant Rick Brown “It serves as another example of safety restraints reducing the severity of injuries in a crash that could have been a fatality if both drivers had not taken the time buckle their seat belts.”

Northbound U.S. 31 was closed approximately two hours for cleanup of debris, diesel fuel, and investigation of the crash.

Sergeant Brown was also assisted at the scene by Lieutenant Matt Bilkey, First Sergeant Bob Land, Sergeant Bob Brinson, Master Trooper Randy Prior, Senior Trooper Joe Swisher, Trooper Mike Meiser, Miami County Sheriff’s Department, New Waverly Fire Department, Peru Fire Department, Dukes EMS, and Indiana Department of Transportation.

Leever Activates 24 Hour Pothole Response Team

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 6 Feb 2008 12:06:46 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Effective immediately, Todd Leever, Street Department Superintendent, has activated a 24 hour pothole response team in answer to the need for repair due to recent inclement weather.

"We are making every effort to respond to the need," says Leever. The 24 hour response time is contingent upon the weather conditions.

"Breaks in the weather will allow us to repair. Otherwise, the asphalt doesn’t set," says Leever.

Potholes can be reported to 765-648-6445, and are worked in timestamp order.

Source: City of Anderson Press Release

Pursuit Ends When Suspect Vehicle Runs Out of Fuel

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 4 Feb 2008 17:00:54 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - On Monday, February 4, 2008, at approximately 4:45 p.m., Sergeant Jeff Zeiger of the Indiana State Police Pendleton Post, clocked a vehicle southbound on Interstate 69 in Madison County at 97 mph near the 40 mile marker.

An earlier dispatch from the Redkey State Police Post advised there was a red 2006 Jeep Cherokee with no license plates driving southbound Interstate 69 in Delaware County at a high rate of speed.

Sergeant Zeiger caught up with the vehicle at the 27 mile marker and pursued the vehicle with his red lights and siren on as the driver of the Jeep Cherokee continued southbound passing vehicles on the right and left shoulders of Interstate 69.

The Jeep Cherokee ran out of fuel at the 24 mile marker. While the passenger exited the vehicle and was handcuffed by Zeiger, the driver of the vehicle continued to attempt to restart the vehicle and ignored Sergeant Zeiger’s verbal commands to exit the vehicle.

After an approximate five minute stand-off, the driver exited the vehicle and was arrested. The passenger was ultimately not charged and was released.

The 2006 Jeep Cherokee was reported stolen on today’s date out of Macomb County, Michigan at 10:21 a.m. The vehicle was taken to the Indiana State Police Post at Pendleton to be processed.

Arrested and Charges:

Horton Ivory, 22, Mt. Clemens, Michigan

Charged with possession of stolen property, resisting law enforcement, and speeding.

Assisting at the scene were Trooper Nicholas Campbell, Trooper Steve Burns, Trooper Trent Roesch, Trooper Dave Preston and Preston’s K-9 Colt, Madison County Sheriff, and Pendleton Police Department.

Source: Indiana State Police

Main Street Closed at 25th Street Through Friday

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:26:42 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Main Street will be closed to traffic at 25th Street due to a gas leak, today through Friday, according to the office of City Engineer Michael Spyers.

All lanes will be closed daily between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

After 3:30 p.m. there will be lane closures, as needed. Motorists should exercise extreme caution in the area.

Source: City of Anderson

Weather Bulletin: Anderson Residents Should Remove Vehicles From Streets

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 12:35:14 -0800

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith has asked all city residents to remove their vehicles from city streets, if possible, in anticipation of a major snowstorm that is expected to develop today.

If all vehicles can be moved to driveways or other private property, the city’s snow emergency task force will be better able to clear streets and roadways.

Further announcements, if any, will be delivered through city and area media, as well as the city’s web site, the mayor said.

Source: City of Anderson

Indiana State Police Offer Winter Driving Tips

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:10:20 -0800

Some counties in north central Indiana are under a winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service. A mixture of heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain are being forecasted. This combination can cause driving conditions to change quickly. To help Hoosiers prepare for this winter storm the Indiana State Police offer the following safety tips.

Be prepared:

Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.

Keep your gas tank at least half-full.

Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit, and jumper cables.

Slow down on snow/ice covered roads.

Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.

Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof, and lights.

Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.

Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to avoid loosing traction.

Use low beam headlights to decrease glare from ice.

Should you become stranded:

Don’t leave your car. It’s the best protection you have.

Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.

Roll down your window a small amount.

Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Don’t panic. An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.

A four-wheel drive vehicle may keep you from being stuck in deep snow or aid in acceleration during slippery road conditions, but it will not allow you to stop any quicker. Slow down and allow yourself plenty of stopping distance.

For Indiana road conditions between December 1 and April 1, call 317-232-8298 or 800-261-7623 or visit the state police website at www.in.gov/isp.

Source: Indiana State Police

State Police Encourage Motorists to be Responsible during the Upcoming Holidays

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:44:17 -0800

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -If you're hosting or attending a holiday party, Indiana State Police encourage you to be responsible. Last year during the Christmas and New Year holidays, 26 people were killed on Indiana roadways. Six of those crashes were alcohol or drug related.

Indiana State Police will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), Project S.T.E.P. (Selective Traffic Enforcement Project) and D.U.I.E.P. (Driving Under Influence Enforcement Project). These federally funded programs allow extra troopers to patrol area roadways throughout the holidays.

Troopers will be specifically looking for aggressive drivers, intoxicated drivers and those drivers and passengers not buckling up. The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division will also have extra motor carrier inspectors and troopers on area roadways enforcing commercial motor vehicle violations.

"If you plan to celebrate the holidays by consuming alcohol, be responsible and get a designated driver," said Lieutenant Dennis Marshall, Commander of the Evansville District.

The Indiana State Police encourage the following safety tips for those who may be hosting a party:

Be a responsible host. Serve food and always have non-alcoholic beverages available.
Don't allow guests to mix their own drinks.
Ask guests to appoint a designated driver before they start consuming alcohol.
Stop serving alcohol 90 minutes before the party ends. Remember, only time sobers someone who has been drinking.

If you're traveling during the holidays, please follow these safety tips:

Don't drink and drive.
Never ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking - call a cab or ask a friend to drive you home.
If you observe a drunk driver, notify police immediately with the vehicle description and their route of travel. Don't attempt to pass a drunk driver.
Make sure everyone is buckled up.

Source: Indiana State Police

E&B Paving of Anderson Wins Contract for Hamilton County Repaving

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 01:37:19 -0800

NOBLESVILLE, IN - The Indiana Department of Transportation has awarded E&B Paving of Anderson a contract to patch and resurface 6.5 miles of divided highway on S.R. 37 from I-69 to Allisonville Road.

E&B Paving of Anderson submitted the lowest of five bids, securing the $1.8 million contract.

Night work will begin next year to grind one inch off the pavement surface and replace with a 1.5 inch layer of new surface asphalt. Patching and resurfacing work prevents potholes and prolongs pavement life, helping create a safer, smoother riding surface for motorists.

At last count, over 38,000 vehicles travel this stretch of highway each day.

Source: Indiana Department of Transportation Press Release

Three or More Inches Will Bring Out Snow Removal Task Force

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 14:11:56 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Keeping Anderson streets open and free of ice and snow will be the target of the city’s Snow Removal Task Force for winter 2007-2008. According to Mayor Kevin S. Smith’s directive, city department heads and supervisors have already met to plan this year’s winter weather attack. When snow accompanied by winds begins accumulating three inches or more, the Snow Removal Task Force will go into action.

The city intends to marshal every piece of equipment in its fleet capable of pushing a snow blade. Assisting the Street Department will be blades from: Anderson Light and Power, Parks Department, Water Pollution Control, Sewer Department, Water Department, City of Anderson Transit, Animal Control, City Hall Maintenance, Police Department Maintenance and the Traffic Department. Based upon a minimum of 15 4 x 4 trucks, the goal of the task force will be to plow 200 miles of streets in a five-hour period.

Following last February’s snow storm, four-wheel vehicles from the Municipal Development Department escorted police officers on calls. After six inches of snow fell within a short period, plows worked throughout the storm to assure that streets and neighborhoods were kept open and passable.

Priority areas for the Snow Removal Task Force will be to main thoroughfares, routes to schools and hospitals, and downtown. The mantra of the Task Force will be:

Plow streets as quickly as possible
Utilize all city equipment for snow removal
Reach out to as many streets as possible

When it comes to ice and freezing rain, Street Commissioner Nick Vores said the Street Department will work largely alone since few city departments are equipped with salt spreaders. “All equipment is ready to go,” said Vores. “We have 700 Tons of salt on hand and our supplier can deliver to our location within 24 hours.”

Getting residents to work and keeping Anderson commerce going is a priority of the Street Department. Downtown Anderson, the Parks Department and Police Department have divided Meridian Street sidewalks for clearing. The downtown parking garage and sidewalks on the bridges leading to the downtown will also have priority.

Anderson Connects Downtown to I-69 Via Martin Luther King Jr. Corridor

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 23:30:24 -0700

ANDERSON, Ind. - I-69 Exit 22 and downtown Anderson are now connected via the beautiful Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Completion of the project brings to a close years of construction at a total cost of $17 million. In celebration, Mayor Kevin S. Smith and a host of dignitaries will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. The event will be held adjacent to Community Storage, 3510 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Community Storage has granted permission for those attending the ribbon cutting to park at the business.

The new corridor is four lanes from I-69 to 25th Street, then be reduced to two-lane street with a median to Jackson Street. Earlier this year, a poorly defined intersection at 17th and Jackson leading into the downtown was re-engineered to create a curve.

The project also includes:

A planned race district with lighting, banners and landscaping in the vicinity of the historic Anderson Speedway, and
Acquisition, demolition and beautification of a number of derelict properties along the corridor.

A federal grant is paying $1 million to study an under/overpass at the CSX Railroad in the 3000 block of King Boulevard and west of the boulevard at 38th Street.

Source: City of Anderson

Paving Closes Park Road Friday From 53rd to 67th

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 14:49:03 -0700

ANDERSON, Ind. - Park Road will be closed for paving, Friday, October 26, between 53^rd and 67^th streets. The road will close at 7 a.m. and is expected to reopen by 6 p.m. Contractor on the project is E & B Paving.

CATS Unveils Fixed Route Buses

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 14:41:17 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - In celebration of seven new fixed route buses and the addition of Highland High School to City of Anderson Transit routes, Anderson Mayor Kevin S. Smith and Assistant School Superintendent Lennon Brown chose to ride the bus.

Located on the far northeast side of Anderson, the school has never had hourly bus service, despite repeated requests from school officials. When two of the new city buses drove up to the school for the unveiling, Mayor Smith and Mr. Brown emerged from the new, air conditioned and fully handicapped-accessible vehicles. So did the Highland High School mascots.

“We hope CATS buses will become as much a part of Highland High School life as band, choir, sports or any other school function,” said Mayor Smith. “It will also allow parents transportation to parent-teacher conferences or other events associated with their children.”

Adding to the celebration, CATS General Manager Peter Heuer announced that on Friday, when the new buses start their appointed rounds for the first time, ridership will be completely free. The no-fare ridership will continue through Saturday October 27. The seven new fixed-route buses represent a full replacement of that fleet.

For Highland High School students and families, CATS buses will stop at the school Monday through Friday at 6:25 a.m., 9:25 a.m., 10:25 a.m., 11:25 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 1:35 p.m., 3:35 p.m., 4:35 p.m. and 5:35 p.m. CATS buses will not stop at the school during the congested travel time of daily arrival and departure of students and staff at 7:25 a.m. and 2:35 p.m. Saturday service will be hourly from 9:25 a.m. through 2:25 p.m.

Highland High School Principal Mark Finger and Dean Kathy Fox also spoke at the unveiling, highlighting the partnership with the city that will allow greater transportation options for ACS students and their families.

Anderson Community Schools Assistant Superintendent Lennon Brown says that hourly fixed route service to Highland High School will benefit students and their families who will be better able to participate in parent-teacher conference and after-school activities. Mayor Kevin S. Smith (left) also reported that in celebration of the seven new fixed-route City of Anderson Transit buses, fares will be discontinued through Saturday, October 27.

ATS Fixed Route Buses Unveiled Oct. 18 at Highland High School

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 14:08:11 -0700

ANDERSON, Ind. - Seven new fixed-route buses – a complete fleet replacement - will take to the streets of Anderson Friday. Mayor Kevin S. Smith and Highland High School administrators, students and parents will be given the first opportunity to examine the buses, Thursday, October 18 at 10:30 a.m. The selection of Highland High School, 2108 E. 200 N., also calls attention to the addition of the far northeast side school to the City of Anderson Transit fixed routes.

“Highland High School administrators have long sought city bus service to allow students and their parents transportation flexibility. We hope CATS buses will become as much a part of Highland High School life as band, choir, sports or any other school function,” said Mayor Smith. “It will also allow parents transportation to parent-teacher conferences or other events associated with their children.”

CATS General Manager Peter Heuer will also announce free fares for all fixed-route riders for one week, starting Friday, Oct. 19.

The new fixed route buses offer air conditioning, complete handicapped accessibility and bicycle racks. Recently, the city unveiled for new Nifty-Lift buses. Another four are set for purchase in 2008.

53rd Street Parkway to Close Monday and Tuesday

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:37:38 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The 53rd Street Parkway – the curve that connects Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 53rd Street – will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 17 and 18.

Poindexter Excavating will be working on a force main project during that time.

The parkway is scheduled to re-open on Wednesday.

Layton Road Closes From 73rd to Interstate

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:54:58 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Layton Road (CR 400W) will be closed for reconstruction through October 30, between 73rd Street and I-69. The closing is effective as of Monday, September 10. E&B Paving will perform the reconstruction for the city of Anderson.

Anderson Nifty Lift Buses Unveiled Thursday at Hopewell Center

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 23:34:10 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Four gleaming Nifty Lift Buses bearing flashy green trim with nighttime reflective properties were unveiled before a group of excited Anderson Hopewell Center clients today.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to accomplish this major advancement in our CATS service,” said Mayor Kevin S. Smith. “When General Manager Peter Heuer joined the city staff, he was charged with bringing new life to the city’s neglected transit system. Our goal is to provide the best possible transit opportunities to support employment and business needs of Anderson citizens.”

The Hopewell Center was chosen as the site for the rollout of the New Nifty Lifts because they are the largest, single source trip generator for the para-transit service. Nifty Lift currently provides approximately 30,000 trips per year for its clients in Anderson. Nifty Lift provides an extremely important, invaluable service for riders – transporting them from home to work, shopping and back; providing special needs riders independence in their daily lives.

CATS also purchased a wheelchair accessible supervisor van. The total cost to purchase these 5 vehicles was $260,000. $208,000 of the funds came from Federal grant money and the remaining $52,000 from the city’s general fund.

Seven new fixed route buses are on order and delivery is expected in mid-October. A new and more efficient system for fixed routes will be unveiled soon.

CATS Seeks Input for Bus Routes

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 7 Aug 2007 21:37:01 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - While the City of Anderson Transit System awaits the delivery of four new Nifty Lift paratransit vehicles and seven new fixed route buses, improvements to bus routes are also on the agenda, according to CATS General Manager Peter Heuer.

CATS staff will conduct two question and answer sessions to receive input from riders on Wednesday, Aug. 8 and Thursday, Aug. 9 at the downtown bus terminal. The input is being sought to make CATS’ fixed routes more efficient and serviceable. The Wednesday session will be from 6 to 11:30 a.m. and Thursday’s session will be from 12:30 to 6 p.m.

Source: City of Anderson

Traffic Restricted at 67th and Park Road

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:48:47 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The intersection of 67th Street and Park Road will be closed to all but local traffic through Tuesday, August 7. The closing is effective as of Tuesday, July 17. The purpose of the closure is for work on phase I of a pump station and force main project that will serve the Flagship Business Park.

Anderson Receives Grant to Enhance Flood Warning

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:59:04 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Anderson Emergency Management has been awarded an $89,761 grant from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to upgrade and .expand the city's Automated Flood Warning System (AFWS). Anderson was the only Indiana city to receive the grant.

The grant will fund the purchase of nine rain gauges that will be installed along the watershed of White River, Killbuck Creek and Boland/Stanley Ditch. Two stream gauges will be installed, one on White River east of the city and one on Boland/Stanley Ditch in Meadowbrook. A computer software package designed to model flooding conditions as well as notify city officials of flooding conditions will also be installed. The information gathered by the flood warning system will be shared with the National Weather Service and other governmental agencies to provide more accurate flood forecasting predictions and warnings.

The city currently maintains agreements with the US Geological Survey (USGS) for two stream gauges on White River and one on Killbuck Creek. Muncie also maintains an agreement with the USGS for a stream gauge. These gauges will be included in the upgrade of the AFWS.

NOAA awarded the grant to improve the local flood warning system in order to help reduce the loss of life, property damage and disruption to commerce resulting from floods. NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather, water and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the Untied States and its territories.

NOAA'S award was a competitive process with other jurisdictions and agencies across the country competing for the grant. Completion of the project is expected by the end of September. Ft. Wayne was a recipient of this same grant in 2005.

City of Anderson Introduces Railroad Study

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 16:53:50 -0700

City will seek feedback at July 12th public meeting

ANDERSON, IN - The City of Anderson invites city residents to a public meeting to learn about the Anderson Railroad study and to comment on the proposed project on July 12, 2007.

The meeting, scheduled for 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Wigwam Auditorium ,1229 Lincoln Street, will focus on the proposed grade separations at Raible Avenue/38th Street, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Columbus Avenue, Scatterfield Road/State Road 9, Main Street and 25th Street. Along with the proposed grade separation alternatives, preliminary railroad alignment alternatives have been developed that will allow for the abandonment of the northern CSX mainline through downtown Anderson and will allow for the abandonment of the north-south track through the center of Anderson

The public is welcome to attend the July 12th meeting, and to provide feedback during the public comment period. At the meeting, maps of the area will be on display beginning at 6:00 p.m. The project team will be available to answer questions both before and after the formal presentation at 7:00 p.m. The presentation will be followed by a public comment period and additional time to view the displays until 8:30 p.m.

Detour Avoids Rail Crossing on King Blvd.

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:49:28 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - The railroad crossing on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard closed on Monday, June 11, for a two-week project that will result in a crossing that will accommodate four lanes of traffic. The railroad crossing upgrade is part of the city’s project that will ultimately create a direct route from I-69/Exit 22 into downtown Anderson.

The final phase of the boulevard project extends four lanes of traffic from about the 4600 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. to 29th Street.

Visual enhancement projects are ongoing between 29th and 17th streets, with the demolition of derelict properties and landscaping of the cleared sites.

At 17th and Jackson, a curve is under construction that will create a smooth flow for visitors into the downtown.

The detour to avoid for the rail crossing closure from King Boulevard is east from 38th Street on the south or east on 29th Street from the north. Both streets connect to Madison Avenue that has a railroad overpass.

Beginning June 18, CSX Railroad will work on three downtown crossings for a two-week period. Work is expected to commence at crossings, first on Jackson Street, then Meridian Street and Central Avenue.

Siren Sounding Likely Routine Maintenance, Testing

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:16:01 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - Routine maintenance and testing of the city’s 22 emergency sirens will result in sounding of each siren Monday, June 11 and Tuesday, June 12, according to Emergency Management Director Frank Dick.

With the weather forecast calling for sunny days, Dick said it is unlikely that a one-time sounding of a siren will mean an emergency situation is in the offing. Citizens of Anderson are advised to keep their eyes open.

CATS on Track to Replace Entire Fleet

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:08:25 -0700

ANDERSON, IN - By fall, the City of Anderson Transit Service will have a new look, new routes and best of all, new buses. Vehicles to replace half of the city’s Nifty Lift fleet are also on order and should be delivered by July. The Anderson Board of Works received bids today to purchase seven new buses – a complete replacement of the fixed route fleet.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to accomplish this major advancement in our CATS service,” said Mayor Kevin S. Smith. “When General Manager Peter Heuer joined the city staff, he was charged with bringing new life to the city’s neglected transit system. Our goal is to provide the best possible transit opportunities to support employment and business needs of Anderson citizens.”

Funding for the fleet overhaul has come from Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) funds that are managed by the Madison County Council of Governments. A grant for $1,050,000 will pay for the buses.

“Jerry Bridges, executive director of the Madison County Council of Government has been invaluable in securing these funds to benefit the Anderson CATS ridership,” said Mayor Smith. “He saw the environmental and service benefits for Anderson citizens and we were fortunate to comply with the requirements to qualify for the funds.”

In addition to air conditioning and working heaters, the new buses will have bicycle racks and a 4-camera security system for the safety and security of CATS patrons; they will be fully ADA compliant with forward and side seating. The buses will be more fuel efficient and will accept bio-diesel fuel, minimizing tail pipe emissions.

Base bids for the buses were: $865,550, Indy Bus Buy/Sell Net of Indianapolis; $769,510, Midwest Transit Equipment of Whiteland, Indiana; and $674,046, Tesco of Oregon, Ohio. The base bids do not include specific options, so the final purchase price for the buses will be greater than the base bids.

By mid-summer, General Manager Heuer hopes that CATS will be able to unveil and implement new bus routes that will increase efficiency as well as coverage of the city.

By next year, Heuer also hopes that another four Nifty Lift buses, two mechanics trucks and two staff vehicles will be on order, effecting a 100 percent replacement of the CATS fleet.