Construction Continues on Two GA Fire Stations

Progress continues to be made at two new Richmond County fire stations, with one expected to be operational soon.

The Augusta Fire Department is building Fire Station 2 downtown and Fire Station 20 in south Augusta. Jason DeHart, the agency's public information officer, said significant progress has been made at both.

"The (Fire Station 20) construction has been moving at a very quick pace. R.W. Allen has informed me that the weather has been cooperating since they started work at the end of November," he said. "Because of the nice weather, there hasn't been any delays. Right now, it is on schedule to be completed."

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Construction on Fire Station 20, at 2820 Old Highway 1, is expected to be completed toward the end of summer, but it won't be operational until later in the year or early next year. The new station, which is the first expansion for the department since city/county consolidation in 1996, will cover the south Augusta area and provide a better partnership with Fort Gordon.

"With the population movement in south Augusta, it's important that we are ready and able to provide that immediate service if an emergency ever happens," DeHart said.

The station is being placed in an area with rapid growth and development. An apartment complex is being built next to the fire station.

Construction on Fire Station 2 is complete, but there are still items, such as furniture, that need to be approved by the Augusta Commission before it can be operational.

"The goal of the department is to get Station 2 opened up and running as soon as possible. We are just waiting on these other things that need to be finished first," DeHart said.

The station, at 928 Telfair St., is intended to take over the duties of the current station 2 on Walton Way.

He said the new buildings will provide a more comfortable day-to-day environment for the firefighters.

"We are moving out of buildings that have been there for a very long period of time. They are out of date, in regards to building needs to match the equipment that they are holding," he said. "These newer stations provide more for the firefighters on their day-to-day life. They'll have private bedrooms, their own private bathrooms."

Funding for both stations was provided through special purpose local option sales tax dollars, with Station 2 costing around $3 million and Station 20 around $3.2 million. DeHart hopes these buildings show taxpayer money is being put to good use.

"We are providing an emergency service, and for our firefighters to best do their job, they need the facilities and equipment to do that," he said. "These stations are a way that we can better serve the citizens of Richmond."

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