Ground Broken for New Northeast Anchorage Fire Station
Legislative funding leads to new station, increased safety for Northeast neighborhoods
Today, the Northeast Anchorage legislative delegation attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station #6 in East Anchorage. This project is funded by a $6 million legislative grant secured last year by Sen. Bill Wielechowski and Reps. Max Gruenberg and Pete Petersen. Fire Station #6 is one of Anchorage’s oldest and busiest fire stations, and replacing the outdated building has long been a top priority for the Northeast Anchorage area.
“This is an important step to improve public safety in Northeast Anchorage neighborhoods,” Petersen said. “The old building was just no longer adequate for modern firefighting equipment, and the new station will allow fire protection to expand as Anchorage continues to grow.”
When the existing station was built around 1970, fire engines were smaller than they are today. Currently there is only one inch of clearance on either side for the station’s engine. There is one engine and one medic unit stationed at the station, and the new station will allow for adding new equipment as the neighborhood’s needs grow. The legislature had previously voted to fund the project in 2008, but it was vetoed by Governor Sarah Palin.
“This was a real team effort to get to this day,” said Gruenberg. “It took a united Northeast Anchorage delegation and tireless advocacy by neighborhood activists to make this happen.”
In 2008 Fire Station #6 answered 3,685 calls for emergency assistance. The new station is scheduled to be open next year.
“This fire station has been a top priority for our community for many years,” Wielechowski added. “It will make East Anchorage much safer. I am glad we were able to work with the community to secure the funding for it at the state level.”
WHAT: Groundbreaking ceremony for the new Fire Station #6
WHEN: Today, 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: 1301 Patterson Street, next to Begich Middle School (MAP)
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Senator Bill Wielechowski: 269-0120
Representative Pete Petersen: 269-0265
Representative Max Gruenberg: 269-0123
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