BELOIT – With the simultaneous turn of six shovels, Solomon Valley Transportation, (SVT) Inc. officially broke ground on its new facility on April 13, 2026, signaling a transformative step toward the future.
The ceremony, held at the site on Highway 24 between Dollar General and Super 8 Hotel, brought together elected officials, community leaders, SVT Staff, members of the Kansas Department of Transportation in Topeka and local residents to mark the commencement of SVT’s construction. The planned 6,000-square-foot facility will address the expanding requirements of the transportation system, featuring a garage with eight vehicle bays, four offices, a board/education room, kitchen and break room for convenient access by patrons of SVT.
A Vision for Growth
"This isn't just the beginning of a project; it represents a new chapter for Solomon Valley Transportation and has been 15 years in the making," said Leanne Eilert, Board Secretary, during the opening remarks. "This building expresses and defines who we are and serves as a testament to our commitment to the generations that will follow".
"This isn't just a metal building to house vehicles and staff, it’s a building made of our shared hopes," said Jay Rowh, a longtime resident and vice chairman of the board. "When SVT first started in July 2011 with 1 mini van, a 14 passenger bus and an office at Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems we knew our growth would continue. What a milestone we have come to. Today, we start the next chapter of growth."
The project is funded through Federal and State Grant Funding along with local match dollars generously donated from our communities. Local leaders emphasized that the new building will improve transportation while creating a modern environment for the staff along with housing our vehicles.
Building a Legacy
The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with services remaining operational at the current location until the transition.
"We have been working together for years to get to this important day," noted Harold Heidrick, Board Chairman. "This project shows our collective hope to sustain general public transportation for many years to come.”
