New Fire Stations

A SAFER TOMORROW STARTS TODAY

Fire Station Modernization Project Information

Overview

In November, Sanford and Springvale residents approved a referendum for the construction of two new fire stations, a critical step towards enhancing public safety and modernizing our emergency response infrastructure. Below are key details and updates about the project, including its importance, features, and recent developments.

Locations:

• SFD Headquarters: Main Street and Mayflower Drive, South Sanford.
• District Station: Payne Street, Springvale.

Design Features:

• Separate zones to mitigate chemical exposure.
• Quiet sleeping quarters.
• Gender-neutral facilities.
• Energy efficiency.

Reasons for New Stations

• Age: Both stations, aged over 50 and 100 years respectively, have far exceeded their intended lifespans. Built when equipment was smaller, some modern vehicles no longer fit in the current bays.
• Size: The current fire stations are undersized and unable to accommodate modern fire trucks and equipment. Lack of space for training, storage, and proper organization of firefighting gear and supplies.
• Safety: Our stations were constructed before modern safety standards, codes, and practices were established. The facilities are inadequate for firefighters to clean and maintain their gear, increasing health risks from exposure to contaminants.
• Equitability: Inadequate facilities for female firefighters.
• Compliance: Non-compliant with NFPA and OSHA standards.
• Location: The current stations are not ideally located in our community. The new stations will be optimally positioned to help ensure faster emergency services. This strategic placement will also better accommodate our community’s growth.

Financial Implications

• Cost: $42.5 million for construction.
• Delay Costs: Each year of delay adds $2.6 million.
• Funding Strategy:
  • Align construction with the retirement of current debt service.
  • Pursue federal grants (FEMA, Congressional Direct Spending, USDA) post-approval.

Recent Project Developments

2026: Headquarters Building Moves Forward

• February 5: The City was approved for $5 million in Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) grant funds to support the construction of the two new public safety facilities.
• Ongoing: Design work for the Springvale Sub Station is currently underway.
  

2025: Headquarters Design & Project Construction Bid

• April: The City applied for $5 million in Congressional Directed Spending (CDS) grant funds.
• June 4: City staff spent the day with WBRC Engineering and Mitchell Associates Architects finalizing the design development for the Sanford Fire & EMS Headquarters.
• November 20: Bids for the Fire & EMS Headquarters Building Closed.
• December 16: Benchmark Construction was selected as the contractor for this project. An important positive outcome of the bidding process was, now that all material and engineering specifications are known, the estimated total cost of the project is significantly lower than the amount approved by voters in the November 2024 referendum. The total project cost is approximately $4.39 million below the approved budget.

2024: Planning and Design

• January 16th: City Council authorized $168,000 for architectural planning and cost estimation.
• March 19th: Detailed plans for new stations presented by Bob Mitchell of WBRC/Mitchell Associates, focusing on firefighter health, safety, and energy efficiency.
• March 19th: City Council authorized a ballot referendum for the November 5th election that seeks Sanford/Springvale voter approval on the construction of two fire stations at the total price of $42.5 million.

2022- 2023: Property Acquisition

• Properties:
  • 1280 Main Street- Springvale Nurseries (Headquarters/Central Station).
  • 10 Payne Street- Notre Dame Church (District/Sub Station).

2022:

• APRA Funding (COVID Money) Allocation: $585,000 allocated for purchasing 1280 Main St, Sanford.
• Activities: Tours of Brunswick and Wells Fire Stations for insights.

2021: Fire Station Feasibility Working Group

• Purpose: Analyze the necessity of new fire stations and identify optimal locations.

2020: Architect Review

• Participants: WBRC Architects and Mitchell Associates.
• Findings: Existing fire stations are outdated, non-compliant with current codes, and unsafe. Immediate replacement recommended.

Project Background

• 2019: Residents voted against a $1 million bond to purchase land for new stations (not for construction).

• 2016: Port City Architecture Study recommended vacating all three existing facilities and constructing two new stations along the Route 109 corridor.

Moving Forward

The new fire stations will address critical issues with our current facilities, enhancing safety and efficiency for both firefighters and the community. Thank you for your support in making Sanford and Springvale safer for everyone.