New Station Project

Planning for a New Fire Station

During June, 2006, the Texas Department of Transportation held a Public Hearing regarding a proposed 4-lane divided highway to replace State road FM 120.  The initial phase of roadway was projected to be finished in the fall of 2009 and when the roadway is completed will provide a direct link to Dallas, Texas through a connection with State Highway 289.  Studies conducted by TxDOT for the highway re-designation, showed several needs that including problems with existing high traffic volumes, operational deficiencies, expected impacts of future growth, safety concerns, and turning movements.  Anticipated Average Daily Traffic Volumes are reported to increase from 6,400 in 2005 to 10,500 in 2025.  A Public Hearing Summary and an Analysis/Recommendation Report was submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, FHWA, as part of the final environmental clearance.  A complete Environmental Assessment was prepared for the project and effects of the proposed project on various physical, biological, social and economic categories were evaluated.

When the final plans were released, preliminary drawings revealed that the roadway improvements and necessary relocation of the utilities would lay right at the front door of the Preston Volunteer fire station.  The necessary slopes for the roadway did not provide a feasible or safe means of entry or exiting for the emergency vehicles.  The current fire station site is located on a little over one acre.  The proposed roadway improvements will consume about one-third of the property, thereby not allowing adequate space to demolish the present station and rebuild on the current site.

Through discussion and negotiations with the Tanglewood Hotel, Resort and Conference Center investors donated a two acre tract to the Preston Volunteer Emergency Services, Inc. to allow for the construction of a new fire station in a more centralized location.  Tanglewood also contributed a little over one acre, without full title, for road easement around the donated property.

An environmental site assessment was submitted to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for the construction site of the new fire station.  TCEQ reported that this project will not adversely affect environmental resources, historic property, impact wetlands or other water resources, endangered species and will comply with all applicable Federal EHP laws and regulations.

During the summer of 2009 a grant application was submitted to the Homeland Security Departments, Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for the construction of a new fire station.  Preliminary plans were developed by two local architects, David Baca Studio of Sherman, Texas, and Russell Buchanan located in Dallas, Texas. The building design follows the most recently approved requirements, codes, and standards developed by the International Code Council (ICC), as well as following guidelines that are NFPA compliant and LEED.

As submitted, the new station will have approximately 11,600 square feet with adequate landscaping, drives, parking and sustainable features.  Energy efficiency is designed throughout the building including a rainwater collection system and wind power generation to supplement electric usage.   Also the plans are designed to meet local building code requirements and codes developed by the International Code Council as well as NFPA standards including sprinkler systems, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and vehicle exhaust extrication systems.

These proposed new construction schemes boast passive sustainable design elements such as building orientation and shade structures for minimal heat gain, roof forms oriented for rainwater harvesting, and abundant glazing to provide natural light for interior spaces. Building systems and materials selections will be based on recycled content and recycling potential, energy efficiency, and water and energy conservation.   All of these construction aspects will follow the Buy American Act in that supplies and construction materials will be produced in the United States, unless such materials are not reasonably available or the purchase would not be in the public interest.

According to the FEMA information, 100 grant requests are projected be funded. It could be several months before PVES is informed the final decision.  During the interim time PVES is preparing to investigate other grant sources that would participate with the organization in a capital campaign to raise funds to build the new fire station.