Construction of the new two-bay, approximately 7,300-square foot facility is funded by the current Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Program, SPLOST VI, and Impact Fees. It is slated for completion in early summer 2013.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, County Commission Chairman Jim Boff thanked those who made the funding for the new station a reality.
"Important progress in our community - such as this new fire station - would not be possible without the support of our citizens," Chairman Boff said. "I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the residents of Forsyth County for the SPLOST funding that is helping to fund construction of this new fire station. And we also thank the development community for the Impact Fee funding that is helping to make this new station possible."
District 4 Commissioner Patrick B. Bell, the district commissioner for the Matt area, also addressed the audience during the event.
"I am extremely proud of the future fire station that will one day stand on this ground, and proud that it will be able to serve the residents of the Matt area and northwest Forsyth County for many years to come," Bell said. "I extend my thanks and appreciation to our firefighters and every member of the Fire Department; to Chief Bowman; to our citizens; and to everyone who is involved in this project."
The new fire station is being constructed on property Forsyth County acquired in December 2008 for the future Matt Community Park. Approximately 185 acres of property was acquired by the county to serve as a northwest community park and green space, through the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by voters in 2008.
The conceptual master plan for Matt Community Park reflects 60 acres for use as an active park and 120 acres for use as green space. The master plan concept also includes the potential location of a library, senior center or other county facilities on the property.
In November 2011, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of three acres of the property for the fire station, with the purchase funds for those acres going back into the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond account. The timeline for development of the park will depend upon future availability of funding.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2012/9/253420