Webb County building new fire station

The Webb County Volunteer Fire Department showcases its new fire trucks. 

Posted: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 3:49 pm |Updated: 3:50 pm, Wed Feb 24, 2016.

Special to the Times

In 2013, Commissioners Court approved a $1 million bond for the construction of a new fire station for Webb County.

The forthcoming Webb County Volunteer Fire Department Fire Station will be located off U.S. 59 on Henry Cuellar Road. This site will consist of a 4,770-square-foot building to house fire administration, firefighter living quarters and two bay apparatus area for response vehicles.

Contract finalization and approval took place Feb. 8 in Commissioners Court. The contract was awarded to Hydroworks Inc. at a cost of $965,500. Land clearing began Feb. 16, and estimated construction time for the project is 150 days.

This first phase of the satellite program project initiated by the county judge and commissioners is essential in expanding fire department services to outlying Webb County areas. The program will also continue to provide firefighter training and outreach to all communities within Webb County.

“We’re elated that work has started on the new fire station,” said Webb County Commissioner Rosaura “Wawi” Tijerina. “The safety of our residents is our top priority and we look forward to other projects in the future to improve the quality of life for constituents.”

Since its inception in 2010, Webb County Volunteer Fire Department has been able to acquire many grants with the aid of Commissioners Court and the Economic Development Department that have provided firefighting equipment such as two new engines, two new tankers and two new quick response units.

In addition to vehicles, personal protective gear and breathing equipment, as well as other firefighting tools have been purchased.

The fire department hopes that this will be the beginning of future expansion, through the satellite program, with a soon to come second phase in the Los Botines area off U.S. 83 north.

The department said it will continue to explore new funding opportunities to keep up with growth and rural constituent demands.

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