GALVESTON — Voters will decide in November whether to approve a $10 million bond to replace Fire Station 2, a decades-old facility serving the city’s East End.

According to a press release, the Galveston City Council on Tuesday ordered the bond election for Nov. 4. If approved, the funds would cover construction of a new fire station on the existing property at 428 Church St.

Built in the 1960s, the current station has two short apparatus bays that cannot accommodate modern fire engines, a ladder truck or an ambulance, city officials said. Firefighters’ sleeping quarters are also located within 30 feet of engine exhaust, raising health concerns.

Officials said population growth, new housing east of Stewart Beach and the University of Texas Medical Branch’s expansion have increased the need for improved fire protection and emergency medical services in the area.

Plans for the new facility include larger bays to house multiple vehicles, dormitory space for firefighters and EMS personnel, and modern support facilities. The city said the new building would improve safety and functionality while maintaining a central, flood-safe location.

If voters approve the bond, crews from Station 2 would temporarily relocate to Fire Station 1 during construction.

The city plans to release conceptual designs for the new station in the coming months.

_{Photo credit: Christopher Ebdon, Creative Commons}