The Board of Commissioners today approved a $2.6 million contract with Ward General Contractors, Inc., to build Gwinnett’s Fire Station 7, which will move from its present location on Duluth Highway (SR 120) to a new, expanded station at 3343 Bunten Road at its intersection with Old Peachtree Road. The relocation will improve both service capability and response time in the area around Gwinnett Center and the Arena near Duluth.

“The old station was too small and poorly located for our present needs,” Chief Steve Rolader said. The new site is just over three acres and will feature three drive-through equipment bays and 49 parking spaces along with a kitchen, dayroom, dining room, fitness room, 14 bunk rooms, offices and a meeting room that will be available to the community.

Construction of the new nearly 13,000 square-foot station will begin in early April with the official groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for May 6. Estimated completion is first quarter of 2009. According to District 1 Commissioner Lorraine Green, SPLOST funds are paying for the upgrade. “I’m pleased that the expanded station will house a new ladder company to provide better service in the area,” Green said.