Summer 2018 Generator

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
New service center location has many benefits
As many of you are aware, the District has
started work on moving the current service
center to a location between 18th Avenue and
3rd Avenue, south of the Lost Creek Parkway.
This location provides some strategic
benefits and will allow the District to better
serve all areas of the District operations in
and around Columbus. It will also allow the
District to combine our north storage yard
(currently located in the industrial park west
of Columbus Hydraulics) and the existing
service center located along 12th Avenue.
The District is doing this for several reasons.
First and foremost, the City of Columbus
needs area around the existing service
center for the new 12th Avenue viaduct to be
constructed in the upcoming years.
After several discussions with the City, the
District decided it was better for the District
to move its entire service center to a new
location, rather than try to coexist as the City
constructs the viaduct. This was done for
both a safety and an overall operations basis.
The District purchased a parcel of land much
greater than needed along the Lost Creek
Parkway and we are working with others to
develop this area in a way that most benefits
the District and the Columbus region.
Several developers have approached the
District about locations in this new area
(which has been named the Energy Triangle
Addition) and the District is excited about the
development possibilities for the area.
Many people have asked if the District is also
moving the General Office, which sits on 15th
Street, to this location. This is not currently
planned, as our existing General Office still
meets the overall needs of the District. The
District has enough space at the Lost Creek
Parkway location, and will keep enough
space in the future, in case a decision is made
to locate the General Office in that same
location along Lost Creek Parkway. However,
that is not planned at this time.
This location also is beneficial, as it is much
closer to our hydro facility in Columbus and
allows access to all parts of Columbus along
Lost Creek Parkway.
With the construction of the current viaducts
in and around Columbus, serving all locations
in Columbus will be accomplished in a more
efficient fashion. In addition, the District will
be able to serve other areas, such as Platte
Center and some of our northern towns more
efficiently.
The District does not anticipate the need
to increase rates associated with this
construction, as cash reserves will be used to
fund this new building. This was one of the
key selling points to the Board of Directors
that made this decision easier for all.
We appreciate the public’s patience with the
District as we move through this endeavor.
We will provide more information as design
and construction move forward.
The Board of Directors and management
are grateful for the discussions and general
positive comments we have received
regarding this decision. We look forward to
continuing to serve all of our communities in
the best possible way moving forward.
by NEAL SUESS
President/CEO
SUMMER 2018 3