Media Release

4:45 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The official groundbreaking for the first "Green" Fire/Rescue Station in Alachua County, EMS #1,  will take place on Tuesday February 26, 2008 at 1:30 P.M. at 931 SE 4th Street, Gainesville, across the street from the existing County Fire Rescue Headquarters.

In 2005, the County hired CH2M Hill to design Fire Rescue Station # 1.  In 2006, the Alachua County Commission approved the funding for the construction of a 5,521 sq ft Fire Rescue Station #1. On February 12, 2008, the County Commission hired Oelrich Construction Company to build the Fire Rescue Station. The total project cost is approximately $1,825,066.00 and is scheduled to be completed in the February/March 2009 time period. The benefits of building to "Green" standards include:

• Reduce operating cost over the life of the building
• Minimizes water consumption
• Lowers utilities costs
• Offer recycling opportunities
• Produces a healthy building
• Provide opportunities to use native plants for landscaping

In speaking of the station, Chief Will Gray May Jr. said, "This new Rescue Station will provide adequate space for the existing Fire Rescue crew that is currently operating from space inside  the County Fire Rescue Headquarters. Building this facility will provide critical space to house staffing and equipment enhancing fire rescue and medical services to citizens in this portion of Alachua County."

Speakers will include Alachua County Commissioner Lee Pinkoson, County Manager Randall H. Reid, and Chief May.  Light refreshments will be served.  The press/media and the public are encouraged to attend.

For more information, contact County Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton at (352) 374-5226.   

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