Budget Question # 065: Capital Improvement Program (Page 10.55): Can you provide more information on the planned expenditures in FY 2025 ($6.1M), FY 2028 ($4.1M) and FY 2029 ($18.3M) for the Fire Station 205 (Cameron Street) project? How will the new site for this fire station be considered and selected? (Mayor Wilson)
Response:
FY25 – Land acquisition & Site Studies;
FY28 – Design & Construction Management at Risk contract award; and
FY29 – Construction.
The need for realignment of Station 205 was driven by the Fire Station Optimal Location Study completed by the City of Alexandria in 2017. The study reviewed the current and projected demand for fire and emergency medical service and how best to deploy resources to meet the demand:
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Current facility sites are not ideally located to provide optimal service coverage to the community nor is the current site’s large enough to fulfil the needs of a larger station.
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Current facilities are not adequate to accommodate the current specifications of an up-to-date station that must house larger modern fire apparatus and provide adequate space for a diverse workforce.
The below map from the Fire Station Optimal Location Study shows the most optimal location for fire stations. The Department of General Services will be working with the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and the Alexandria Fire Department to further identify needs and options. Planning efforts also include community engagement as the project progresses.