Units of local-level government and municipal-related entities know that, when seeking federal or state grants or loans, having a proposed project “shovel-ready” is advantageous when competing against others for the money.

Amtran, Altoona’s bus service, obviously is aware of that, judging from the way it is pursuing its proposed $5.7 million project, the centerpiece of which is a new bus storage garage.

Rather than waiting for the state or federal government “bearing a financial gift,” it is being proactive in trying to put the project in the right position for obtaining money in the near future that might otherwise be available only in the longer term.

Said another way, it is working to make funding for the project more attractive because of aggressiveness projecting the fact that the $5.7 million proposal is worthy of the funds being sought — that judgments built into the project are based on sound considerations and an attempt to obtain the most from every dollar that would be spent.

Those deciding which projects will be awarded money are looking for such evidence in their evaluations.

Thus, it seems unquestionable that Amtran is on the right track on the planning already carried out and the preliminary work that remains.

As part of that, Amtran management should remain in close contact with elected officials representing the Mountain City — besides advocacy for what is being planned here, also investigating what other funding sources, if any, will be available.

As reported in a Mirror article in this newspaper’s Aug. 21 edition, the proposed bus storage garage would hold nine buses. Amtran will be increasing the size of its bus fleet to 29 from 26.

The current storage facility, which is part of the building that houses the Amtran maintenance department, is not big enough to house all of the enlarged fleet.

Not only is Amtran being aggressive regarding the project in question, it has demonstrated a commendable commitment to better serve people here by having expanded service hours into the evening and adding a route north to Bellwood and Tyrone.

It is that commitment to better service that enabled Amtran to gain permission from the state Department of Transportation to increase its fleet size to 29.

According to the Mirror’s Aug. 21 article, PennDOT hasn’t yet committed to funding the proposed project, which, besides providing additional storage space, would include a small office building connected to the garage with a breezeway.

Additionally, the project will consist of a decorative security fence surrounding Amtran’s total property and full-depth reconstruction of a parking lot.

The project plan discussed at an Amtran board meeting on Aug. 20 calls for the new storage garage to be constructed in the current grassy yard between Sixth Avenue and the back of the Trolleyworks building and side of the Battery Barn building. The parking lot reconstruction is on the former site of Roaring River Mills.

PennDOT recommended that the storage garage be built on the former Roaring River Mills site, based on a feasibility study. However, the alternative idea put forth by Amtran’s consulting engineer and approved by the Amtran board is rooted in the fact that the Roaring River Mills lot is used for bus driver training and parking by the Altoona Area School District during events at nearby Mansion Park.

The consulting engineer’s suggestion seems to be the better plan, and PennDOT should respect the locally based judgment regarding the proposed garage siting.

Amtran merits praise for all that is happening and how it is taking place.