The project will reconstruct the valley transit center with expanded passenger amenities ADA features safety enhancements and transit facilities as well as improved transit operations

The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration awarded $26.8 million to the City of Appleton on April 23, 2026, under the National Infrastructure Investments program (CFDA 20.933) to reconstruct the Valley Transit Center in downtown Appleton, Wisconsin.

The project will construct a new larger ground-level transit center with a basement level at 100 East Washington Street. The redesigned bus platforms and drive aisles will be fully covered for weather protection, with space for 14 buses. Pedestrian access will be strategically located along all street frontages with a single main entry providing safe access to the platform. The basement will function as an emergency operating center during catastrophic events and will include innovative energy-efficient systems to reduce operating costs, improve energy security, and ensure continuity of operations during main grid power failures. The project encompasses schematic design and design development, cost estimates, construction documents, approvals and permits, bidding, design and construction of a temporary transit facility, demolition of the existing facility, and construction of the new transit center. A future private development phase will construct housing units above the transit center, funded entirely by the private developer and outside the scope of this grant funding.

The City of Appleton is the recipient. Period of performance extends through December 31, 2030. Place of performance is Wisconsin, USA. The assistance type is a formula grant.

Activities

The project is located at 100 east washington street in downtown appleton wisconsin. The project consists of construction of a new larger ground level transit center and a basement level with functions shared by the transit center. The redesigned bus platforms and drive aisles are to be fully covered for protection from inclement weather. The new platform area includes space for 14 buses. The basement of the transit center will be designed to function as an emergency operating center (EOC) during catastrophic events. The project includes innovative features that improve energy security and ensure continuity of operations during main grid down events. The transit center project will utilize state of the art energy efficient systems to reduce operating costs throughout the life of the facility. Under the project pedestrian access for passengers will be strategically located along all street frontages with a single main entry that includes safe access for patrons to the platform. The following tasks will be performed upon signing the grant agreement and obligating the raise funds:schematic design and design development plans.schematic design and design development cost estimates.construction documentsapprovals and permitsbiddingdesign and construction of temporary transit facilitydemolition of existing transit facilityconstruction of transit facility the raise grant will provide funding only for the public portion of the project (transit center). The housing above the transit center is a private development funded and constructed entirely by the private developer. Separate construction bids will be utilized to clearly define a line between the public and private portion of the development. The private housing development will occur as soon as the public portion of the project allows.

Expected outcomes

The projects construction will have an immediate economic impact on the FOX cities community by creating approximately 510 jobs based on the grant award. These jobs are estimated to equate to 290 full time equivalents (FTE) construction jobs during the 24-to-30- month construction period. While construction jobs vary in pay based on level of experience using the wisconsin department of workforce developments skilled wage rates tool for apprentices an average hourly rate of $31/ hour was calculated. Assuming 2080 annual working hours an average annual salary for entry-level laborers is estimated at $65481. More experienced laborers will earn more. Construction workers will have a free and fair choice to join a union. Valley transit is also partnered with the building trades and intends to promote apprenticeship opportunities as part of the project to promote skilled-trades careers. The project is a major investment for the FOX cities to enhance transit service and address housing needs in the downtown area that affect the region at large. By partnering with a private developer valley transit anticipates an additional private investment of $80 million for construction of multi-story workforce housing units. This public/private investment directly contributes toward the goal of robust job creation and establishing good paying jobs.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries include the riders that depend on valley transits services to get to work and other destinations the FOX cities community and valley transit employees.