The city of Paso Robles (CA) recently broke ground on its new public safety facility, which, when complete, will house Fire Station 3.
The facility, at 2924 Union Rd., will also serve as a public safety training facility. The new station will be built in phases; grading of the site should start in mid-September, construction of the station is expected to begin in mid-November, and it should be staffed before winter 2022.
In 2015 Paso Robles Fire and Emergency Services was found to be understaffed, and the new facility aims to allow the city to increase its public safety services and decrease response times.
“This new facility is emblematic of the City Council’s dedication to the primary importance of public safety and just one of the strategies in place to keep Paso Robles residents and their property safe,” Mayor Steve Martin said in a press release.
The facility was purchased in 2019, but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, planning was put on hold until Measure J20—a half-cent sales tax that will provide the $3-$10 million necessary for the project—passed.
In 2018 and 2020, the city accepted grant awards of $1.4 million and $1.2 million to cover the salary and benefit costs for a total of nine firefighters positions over a three-year period for each grant.