Morgantown — Morgantown Communications Director Drew Bailey said the city has initiated a master planning process to determine the future of Morgantown Fire Department Station 1.
The city learned last week that it would receive $6 million in federal earmarks through Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin for a new fire station.
City Manager Kim Haws explained that new station would replace the South High Street station, or Station 1, which was built in 1954.
Exactly where the new station will be located remains to be seen.
“There’s been considerable discussion. I know the fire chief has been involved in seeking a location and options in relation to remodeling, significantly remodeling what we have, or starting all over,” Haws told members of Morgantown City Council.
Bailey explained the city has engaged a firm to assist with the process.
“Nothing has been decided yet, but we are working with a firm to help us analyze and assess our needs,” Bailey said. “We will be able to have potential layouts and know where the location will be by the end of this phase.
The Dominion Post requested additional information about the cost and anticipated timeline of the analysis but didn’t receive it in time for this report.
Based on initial information, it sounds as if the station could be on the move.
Bailey said the current site is small and won’t allow for any growth. Further, he said, it can’t properly accommodate modern equipment — like the $1.5 million ladder truck purchased by the city in December 2021 — or provide a proper decontamination area.
Further, to put the idea of a $6 million renovation in perspective, the city approved up to $7 million in bonding for a substantial overhaul of the former fire station turned Morgantown City Hall as well as projects addressing the Morgantown Public Safety Building, the city’s public works garage and the Norwood Fire Station, or Station 2, located at the corner of Sabraton Avenue and Hillcrest Street.
Based on information provided prior to the bond issuance, the Norwood station project will require at least $400,000 to investigate settlement issues and make foundation repairs, renovate and update the station’s restrooms and kitchen and upgrade the facility’s plumbing and ventilation systems.
