Groundbreaking on firehouse

Congressman Mo Brooks came to the groundbreaking and picked up a shovel with city leaders.

The City of Madison broke ground today for the new Fire Station No. 2.

The firefighters of Fire Station No. 2 have been housed in a trailer for the past four years since the old firehouse was deemed unlivable because of mold.  The old building was originally built in the 1920s.

“When we got into the double wide, they told us it was going to be about six months in there.  Well, that was four years ago,” said Fire Station No. 2 captain Steve Steigerwalt.  “So it’s been a long wait for us.”

The new firehouse will be the second LEED certified building in Madison, meaning it will be confine to strict environmental standards.  The firehouse will use 30 percent less water and energy.  It will even produce some of its own energy and will use recycled and regionally made materials.

The new building, estimated to cost around $2.7 million will be funded in part by a Federal Energy Efficiency Grant the City of Madison won for $1.4 million.  The city will pay the rest of the costs.

Congressman Mo Brooks came to the groundbreaking and picked up a shovel with city leaders.  He emphasized the pride Madison should feel for winning the competitive grant – Fire Station No. 2 was one of 110 who won grants in the country out of 6,000 who applied.

“It’s a tribute to Madison that they were able to get the funding instead of others,” Brooks said.  “It’s a boom for the neighborhood, it’s a boom for the community, and I’m thankful that the federal government was able to help.”

The new station is set to be finished in January.