BAKERSFIELD, CA -- New questions are being asked as Golden Empire Transit officials reveal their new building will cost between $45 million and $55 million to build.
But, that's not all.
GET also says it has spent more than $1.5 million in the past few years on the design.
The transit agency says the current building on Golden State Highway was built in the 1980's, designed to last about 25 years.
GET officials say federal grants would pay for the new facility along with a maintenance garage.
"In terms of just efficient use, the new facility would be much better," said GET Spokesperson Gina Hayden.
But, that facility comes with a hefty price tag.
"Our drivers want to have safe vehicles, and having a larger more efficient garage will certainly help us do that," Hayden continued.
GET officials say the current maintenance garage has a hard time keeping up with the 88 buses in service.
Officials also say space for its employees in its administrative building has run out.
The transit agency hopes to secure federal funding to cover the expenses, it says, are necessary to better serve its riders.
"If we get funding for a facility, we would never be able to use that for operating expenses which includes salaries. That funding comes from the state. If we were to get funding for the facility and we don't use it we will have to return it, said Hayden.
But while Golden Empire Transit waits for funding to be approved, a document obtained by 17 News
shows the money it already spent on design -- more than $1.5 million funded by Proposition 1B, a transportation bond passed by California voters in 2006.
That design also includes a lot next to GET's current building.
Elliot Kirschenmann, the city's new appointee to GET's board, has asked staff for a financial update at the next board meeting.
But some, including residents and city officials, feel much of that money should be spent elsewhere.
"Unfortunately, those funds can't be used for operating funds such as salaries, over here. So you can't mix, but I think we would be remiss if we did not attempt to get some of the funds when we so critically need a new garage and new facilities," continued Hayden.
Hayden also said the timetable is uncertain for the federal funding.
She says it could be approved fairly quickly or it could be years before it's approved.
