The Sierra Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners and Sierra Fire Chief Michael Greene will break ground for a new fire station on the corner of Arrowcreek and Thomas Creek Parkways, Saturday, July 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. The station, to be known as Sierra Fire Station 36-Arrowcreek, will provide additional fire service to the residents in southwest Truckee Meadows.

Chairman of the Sierra Fire Protection District Board John Breternitz will moderate the event hosted by the Sierra Fire Protection District. Washoe County Commissioners (in their capacity as Fire Commissioners) alongside local fire chiefs, the Washoe County Manager, volunteer fire fighters, contract and project managers, and community leaders are expected to be on hand to celebrate and turn the ceremonial first shovels on the project.

The event will kick off the 240-day construction period with expected completion of the station in March of 2011. The total construction cost of the 8,003 square foot station was estimated to be $2,993,574. The contract was awarded to Northern Nevada contractor Shankle Construction. Funding is provided by a Federal Emergency Management Agency Grant in the amount of $2,089,130. With the FEMA grant and $212,380 already spent for pre-design work, the District was challenged with a $692,064 funding gap. The agency is addressing the funding challenge through generous private donations in addition to reducing the original scope of work and using available fund balance savings. In April, the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners also authorized support from Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District, since the station will be able to serve portions of the Truckee Meadows District as well, if needed.