April 8, 2025

Myrtle Beach City Proposes $26 Million Fire Station Construction

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News Summary

Myrtle Beach city leaders are proposing to construct a new fire station with a budget exceeding $26 million to enhance emergency services. The existing facility is outdated and struggles to meet the demands of the growing community. The new station, designed to span 30,000 square feet, promises improved operational efficiency and response times. City council discussions are underway, focusing on financing options linked to hospitality tax revenues. If approved, construction may begin as early as summer 2026, aiming to bolster emergency response capabilities in the city.

Myrtle Beach City Leaders Eye Major Investment in New Fire Station

In a significant move aimed at upgrading its emergency services, Myrtle Beach city leaders are proposing to take on more than $26 million in debt for the construction of a new central fire station. This ambitious project is a key component of the city’s five-year capital improvement plan, which seeks to enhance infrastructure and services for the growing community.

Time for a Change: Current Fire Station No Longer Adequate

The existing fire station, located on Mr. Joe White Avenue, was built in the 1990s and designed to house eight personnel. However, due to the rapid growth of the city and increased service demands, it currently accommodates 12 personnel, stretching capacity to its limits. City Finance Director Michelle Shumpert noted that the current facility has outgrown its space, making it increasingly challenging to store necessary emergency apparatus effectively.

A Modern Solution: New Station to Enhance Operations

The proposed new fire station is expected to span nearly 30,000 square feet and will be designed specifically to consolidate emergency operations, 911, and dispatch services into a single, modern facility. A highlight of the new build will be a spacious 5,400-square-foot vehicle bay, which is anticipated to significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing the dangerous maneuvers currently required to handle fire apparatus.

City Council Discussion on Future Investments

The Myrtle Beach city council is set to discuss this substantial financial proposition during their upcoming meeting on Tuesday. Should they approve the motion, a 20-year resolution of intent will be implemented that directs future hospitality tax revenues to reimburse the debt incurred for the project. This financing strategy is designed to provide the city the capability to begin spending on the project in order to ascertain accurate cost estimates before proceeding with the final debt issuance.

Looking Ahead: Construction Timeline and Financial Planning

If all goes according to plan, construction of the new fire station could kick off by summer 2026, with an estimated completion timeline of 24 months. Additionally, the financing plan includes a provision to explore potential refinancing options approximately ten years into the 20-year term, offering a flexible financial pathway as the city adapts to its evolving needs.

Enhancing Emergency Response and Collaboration

The forthcoming fire station will replace the current fire station No. 1, which has been rendered inadequate given Myrtle Beach’s growing demands for emergency services. In an exciting collaborative effort, the plans include cooperation with Coast RTA to construct its operations and maintenance facility on shared land off Robert Grissom Parkway, further enhancing municipal services in the area.

Boosting Response Times for Myrtle Beach

One of the primary objectives of the new fire station is to improve response times, especially as it will be responsible for managing the largest volume of emergency calls in Myrtle Beach. The city’s investment in such a critical infrastructure project underscores the commitment to ensuring community safety and readiness in the face of emergencies.

As the city council deliberates on this crucial financial decision, the eyes of the community remain fixed on how these plans will shape the future of emergency services in Myrtle Beach. With growth and readiness at the forefront, this proposed investment could signal a new era for the city’s emergency response capabilities.