(Council Bluffs) A new Roads Operation Center (ROC) and fleet maintenance building in Council Bluffs aim to improve efficiencies for Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads.
The $8.8 million project, first proposed in 2008 by County Engineer John Rasmussen, consolidates eleven buildings into two at a single location on Eastern Hills Drive. Construction began in July 2021, with the 7,750 square foot ROC completed in May 2024 and the 18,000 square foot maintenance building finished in July 2024. Both facilities became operational in August 2024.
This consolidation addresses previous inefficiencies caused by downsized staff and outdated facilities.
Administrative staff moved into the ROC from the Courthouse Annex. In addition to the new facilities, Pottawattamie County Secondary Roads utilizes shops in or around Carson, Hancock, Honey Creek, Oakland, Treynor, and Underwood. Discussions about the future of a previously occupied sign shop on Greenview Road in Council Bluffs are ongoing.
The project was largely funded through local option sales tax revenue, with a long-term vision for return on the investment. Officials estimate increased efficiencies of approximately 3%. With an anticipated lifespan of 50 years or more for the structures, the savings created are expected to pay for the project in about 34 years.
