Black Hawk County, IA -- Black Hawk County and the City of Waterloo have a long history of working together on issues that benefit the community. The two governments are now exploring options to address the county’s need to update the Road Department’s main maintenance facility, while making efficient use of public resources.
This week, the board approved a resolution to move forward with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the City of Waterloo. The MOU establishes a development agreement that allows the city and county to work together to evaluate land opportunities that meet the long-term needs of both governments, including the possible relocation of the Longfellow Roads Facility from its current location at 1329 Longfellow Avenue.
The resolution follows several years of county conversations regarding the need to replace or significantly improve the existing Longfellow Facility. Built in 1959, the nearly 70-year-old building no longer meets the operational needs of the Black Hawk County Roads Department. While improvements have been made over the years, significant renovations are still needed.
People are also reading…
Multiple properties in the Waterloo Air and Rail Park are being considered due to their proximity to the county’s rural road network. Some sites already have existing road and sewer infrastructure, which reduces development costs.
The relocation of the Longfellow Road Facility also presents an opportunity for the City of Waterloo to redevelop the area and allow for potential single-family housing near the existing Cloverdale Park.
"This is a great example of what can happen when local governments work together to find solutions that benefit the entire community," said Linda Laylin, Board Chair. "The City of Waterloo came to us with options, and we are committed to working together to determine what makes the most sense for both the City and the County."
Funding for a new roads facility will come from the Local Option Sales Tax (LOST), which also funds roads and bridges. A new facility would improve the department's ability to maintain and service its fleet and equipment while providing a more functional workplace for employees.
The proposed plan would bring together employees currently located at the courthouse with the employees at the existing Longfellow Facility. The county would continue to operate its five smaller maintenance shops located throughout the county.
"This partnership allows us to think beyond simply replacing an aging building," said Cathy Nicholas, County Engineer. "We can look at the long-term needs of our Roads Department, our employees and the residents we serve, while also working with the City of Waterloo on the future of the Longfellow Avenue property. We're proud of the collaborative approach we're taking."
The next steps include finalizing the MOU and continuing discussions between the city and county to evaluate potential sites. The county is also preparing to seek architectural services for a proposed public works facility. Once the site and development plan are finalized, the project would proceed through the appropriate design, bidding, and construction processes.
To watch the full discussion, view the July 21 Board of Supervisors meeting on the Black Hawk County YouTube channel:
