New three-district bus barn rises at Brewster High School

BREWSTER – The Brewster School District is currently constructing a new transportation facility with approval and assistance from the state. 

Former Brewster School Superintendent Eric Driessen, who now works with the district on construction-related issues, said a co-op was developed with three local school districts, Brewster, Bridgeport, and Pateros, to be more efficient, save money, and work together. As a result of this co-op, the state is helping fund the transportation facility. 

Driessen said Brewster is providing most of the local funding. Since Brewster is centrally located, the new structure is being built on school property on Sunset Avenue.

Brewster School District was able to leverage much of its Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) COVID funds to use for construction. Combining COVID money with conservation budget planning allowed the district to use $2 million dollars toward the new facility and leverage the state match of $4 million for a total of $6 million dollars for the project.

The structure will comprise about 15,000 square feet and house three bus bays, bus/vehicle wash station, four vehicle bays, updated equipment, a classroom, the IT department, and offices. 

“With the new facility, the district will be able to perform more of its own mechanic work, in addition to doing the mechanic work for Pateros and Bridgeport, providing a significant savings for all three districts,” Driessen said.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media