Grant Accepted for New Willow Public Safety Building Design

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly accepted $700,000 in State grant funds for the design of a new Fire, EMS, and Rescue facility in the core of Willow along the Parks Highway. This new building is expected to replace an outdated and undersized facility. The new building is expected to better meet the needs of the growing population.

Borough Director of Emergency Services Ken Barkley says the funding will cover the design costs of the new facility. Construction is expected to cost approximately $8 million, though it will be more clear once design is complete.

Facility features are expected to include housing for full-time first responders, bays for emergency vehicles, and a dedicated decontamination and equipment maintenance space. It will integrate Fire, EMS, and rescue services in the same building. Barkley says the State Department of Public Safety will be included in the design process if they are interested in an outpost space for Troopers within the facility.

Work on the new design is expected to begin this fiscal year.