New Hope Public Works Department Debuts Expanded Building
The city of New Hope’s long-awaited public works expansion project has come to a close.
Public Works Director Bernie Weber and Mayor Kathi Hemken cut the ribbon on the city’s newly-expanded public works building.
After the council approved the preparation of plans in January 2021, the project came together in two phases.
The first phase focused on installing a new security system, restoring the fitness room, improving the mechanics’ bay and building a soil storage building. That building will keep soil temperature-controlled to address burst pipes.
The second phase added the 20,000-square-foot expansion, with more space for storage — particularly equipment storage. A new fuel station was added, as well as an electric vehicle charging station.
“Things have changed, and this way, now we can change on the fly. When the seasons change, we can change a lot faster and more efficient than it was in the past,” Weber said.
The expanded space has room for many indoor vehicles.
New Hope City Engineer Dan Boyum said this project’s been in the works for a number of years. He said there were a number of engineering challenges along the way, but all the hard work paid off.
“Now, when it’s actually getting used, especially the new facility expansion, it’s going to be more enjoyable for both engineering, architectural and public works staff,” Boyum said.
During a press conference Wednesday, city leaders announced the $6.7 million project was fully within budget.
City leaders cut the ribbon.
