Final Steps Made in Thousand Palms Fire Training Center

Posted: Feb 26, 2008 02:17 PM

KESQ.com news services

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved final building plans and specifications Tuesday for a fire station and training center in Thousand Palms.

In 2005, the board approved construction of a new county firehouse and training facility on a 3.3-acre site north of Interstate 10, near the intersection of Ramon and Robert roads.

With the board's approval of the plans, the project will now be put out for bids from contractors. No timeline was put forth indicating when actual construction might get under way.

The new fire station, which will span 7,800 square feet and include three bays for several engines and a ladder truck, will replace a smaller facility in the same general area, said executive office spokeswoman Jennifer Sargent.

"The new station and improved location will greatly enhance public safety in the community," she said.

The board also approved plans for a 4,500-square-foot "Fire Technology Training Center" to be situated adjacent to the new fire station. The multi-purpose center will be operated, in part, by the College of the Desert for its public safety academy, according to the county's Economic Development Agency.

"This important program addresses vital community safety needs to ensure there will be well-trained and skilled fire personnel in the Coachella Valley and eastern Riverside County," agency officials wrote in a report to the board.

The estimated project cost is $11.4 million.