The Athens-Clarke County Unified Government is seeking residents’ input on the revised site selection for the relocation of Fire Station #5 as part of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) project. The site selection criteria provides a series of guidelines for evaluating potential sites for the new station including acreage, location in comparison to other fire stations, public ownership, etc.
Residents are encouraged to attend a drop-in public meeting on Thursday, March 28, to learn more about the site relocation and vocalize their feedback. The meeting will take place at Fire Station #7, located at 2350 Barnett Shoals Road and is from 5-7 p.m.. Public input can also be made through an online survey available at www.accgov.com/fire until Sunday, April 7.
In 2023, residents provided input on the initial site selection criteria and recommended locations. The mayor and commission later rejected the proposed sites on Nov. 7, 2023, deciding to re-evaluate the site selection criteria alongside the Site Selection Committee.
On Jan. 15, 2024, the Site Selection Committee voted to proceed with the site selection criteria that was presented to the mayor and commission at their work session on Feb. 13.Approximately $6 million dollars has been designated for the fire station through SPLOST funds, according to ACCGov. The funding for the site includes land acquisition, design, construction, a fueling station, station equipment and other related costs to meet facility standards.
After the site criteria is approved, the public will have more opportunities to provide feedback on potential sites for the relocated station. After the site selection period ends, staff will present recommended sites to both the project user group and the mayor and commission during the spring.
For additional information, contact the SPLOST / TSPLOST Program Management Office at 706-613-3025 or splost@accgov.com or visit www.accgov.com/splost.
