City officials have launched a search for a contractor to build a maintenance and storage facility for Honolulu's planned $5.4 billion elevated commuter train.

The estimated $120 million contract is the third major train-related request for proposals issued in the past six months as the city pushes to start construction on O'ahu's largest-ever public works project in December.

Separately, seven teams of contractors are vying for a $550 million to $600 million deal to design and build the first phase of the train's guideway from East Kapolei to Leeward Community College. The city plans to award the contract sometime this fall if it receives federal approvals. The city also is soliciting bids for a 13-year contract to buy, operate and maintain the trains.

The maintenance and storage facility will be built on a 43-acre parcel off Farrington Highway between Waipahu High School and Leeward Community College. Both the train operations and maintenance contract and the storage facility contract are scheduled to be awarded in early 2010.

During the next fiscal year, which starts July 1, the city plans to issue nearly $1 billion in rail-related bonds to help finance train construction. The project is expected to be paid for via a general excise tax surcharge and a federal grant.