OHIO CO, KY (WFIE) -
Ohio County leaders want to build a new fire station near the Business Centre in Beaver Dam, and officials say the project will also benefit the community in other ways besides fire protection.
It's not just about building a brand new building on an empty field.
"We're looking for the future and we want to recruit industry and industries require that to come in," said Ohio Co. Judge Executive David Johnston.
Johnston says many businesses looking to relocate always ask about fire service nearby.
"Everybody, every community is trying to get the new businesses and if that's one edge that we have then we'll be in better shape to recruit," he said.
The new South Beaver Dam Fire Station will also serve as a substation for the community.
"God forbid something happens right here, we'll have a truck right here on site for them," said Ohio Co. EMA Director Charlie Shields.
The station will be equipped for industrial fires that could happen at factories in the Bluegrass Crossing Business Centre.
"It'll face the highway and the front of this will face toward Old Liberty Church Road," Shields said.
Shields says the two story building will house a health clinic, meeting rooms and a storm shelter.
"So they'll have the right equipment, the right stuff for if something happened at one of the industries."
With more peace of mind when it comes to safety, leaders expect the station to bring more growth to the county in the future.
"You've got the highways, the water source and now you'll have the fire protection out here," Shields told 14 News.
The county hopes to start the site work for the project later this year.
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The new South Beaver Dam Fire Station will also serve as a substation for the community.
