NTC space needs analysis complete

The October meeting of the Oneida Vilas Transit Commission (OVTC) is expected to include a review of the results of a space needs analysis.

The OVTC is the joint committee that oversees Northwoods Transit Connections (NTC) which is based in Rhinelander. The committee has been looking at finding a new home for NTC, either an existing facility or one that needs to be constructed. 

NTC director Barb Newman said the analysis, completed  by Angus Young Architects/Engineers, will include the firm’s findings regarding what it believes NTC needs as far as “a shop, office space and then for some other buildings for outside storage.”

“The next step would be for architectural and engineering design,” she said, adding that a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund that work has been approved.

“We have a plan and we’re moving forward,” Newman said. 

Hazelhurst storage

The OVTC has been talking to the town of Hazelhurst about winter storage of two of its buses in the town shop as part of its plan to add new routes in 2025. 

Newman said one of those routes would originate in Rhinelander, travel to County Highway K to U.S. Highway 51, run north through Hazelhurst to Minocqua and then back to Rhinelander.  

“We’re still negotiating a price on that monthly lease,” Newman said.

Brian Jopek may be reached via email at [email protected].