BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) may be looking to build an expanded bus station on the site of a local homeless shelter.

In a WTA Board of Directors meeting last week, Finance Director Shonda Shipman discussed the proposed budget that includes plans to acquire Base Camp on Cornwall Avenue.

Described as the “worst-kept secret in Bellingham” by members of the board, the acquisition is not being publicly negotiated.

WTA has squirreled away enough of a cash reserve to expand service next year, and has budgeted $6.45 million for the purchase of the property. In total, nearly $13.4 million will go into projects such as expansion and the replacement of vehicles, with less than a third of the funds coming from grants.

If they do buy Base Camp, WTA plans to renovate the space for offices and other tenant space before creating the new bus station.