Alcoa officials have tentatively authorized a land purchase to replace a fire station in a growing service area, signaling continued investment in public safety infrastructure amid development.
The purchase agreement, approved by city commissioners last month, is currently in the due diligence phase. The city would acquire land on Hawks Landing Drive to build a new Fire Station 3. Alcoa will pay $250,000 for 1.9 acres and $150,000 annually for three years for associated stormwater facility costs.
The Alcoa Fire Department maintains three fire stations.
Alcoa’s fire department holds an ISO Class 1 rating, a designation tied to fire protection quality that can factor into insurance evaluations. Alcoa Fire Chief Colin Hurst said staying ahead of growth helps the department maintain that rating.
Department call volume has increased 69% over the last decade, he said, with significant growth in the Station 3 response area.
The new station will support a shift from a two-person to a three-person staffing model, improving response capability and service coverage, he said.
“Right now, Station 3 is performing well and is located in an area that continues to see growth in both call volume and development,” he wrote. “The proposed relocation is only about 0.7 miles from the current site, which allows us to maintain our existing level of service while better positioning the department for continued growth in that area.”
