Community Celebrates New Facility for OATS, Inc.

The office, which became operational in August of 2010, is now ready to welcome the public. "We wanted to wait until the landscaping was done before inviting everyone in, and then the harsh winter and crazy spring weather has postponed things. But we are now excited to welcome everyone to visit and see the new facilities, which we are extremely excited about," says Beth Langley, Regional Director of the Northwest region for OATS, Inc.

The facility, which is similar in design to the building in Columbia, Missouri where the Mid-Mo Region and home offices for OATS are housed, includes features such as a large training room, a bus wash, covered parking for the fleet of vehicles OATS maintains and a garage for light vehicle maintenance.

Langley says of the new facility, "Drivers can now wash their buses and park under a covered area. And at night, we are wonderfully lit."

The Northwest Region of OATS provided more than 246,000 one-way trips last year, serving over 5,000 local people who need transportation assistance. The new facility, which will provide more space and efficiencies, will save money for the company which will help OATS to continue to provide services for those in need.

The project, which began in 2009, was partially funded with a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration and administered by MoDOT. This grant provided for 80% of the total project cost.

"We would love to welcome everyone out to celebrate with us," says Langley. Activities include a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce, followed by a short presentation and featured guest speakers. Cookies and punch will also be served. Attendees will include distinguished guests from MoDOT and the Federal Transit Authority as well as OATS Regional Directors and Board of Directors.