Fast-growing southwest Columbia has a brand-new fire station, thanks to the voter-approved 2015 capital improvement sales tax extension.

About 200 people turned out in the blazing sun for Tuesday morning’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on Scott Boulevard. City manager De’Carlon Seewood tells 939 the Eagle that it’s one of the fastest-growing areas in Columbia.

“And not to have proper fire service does a disservice to our residents. So this fire house will be an exemplary process that will allow our residents to be safe to make sure that if there is a health emergency or if there is a fire emergency, we can respond quickly,” Mr. Seewood says.

The 10,000 square feet fire station cost $4.5 million to build. It has three apparatus bays, a training room, multiple restrooms and a workout area. The new fire station is located in a residential neighborhood on Scott Boulevard in southwest Columbia. City voters approved the project as part of the 2015 capital improvement sales tax extension. Mr. Seewood says the project was impacted by inflation.

“When we put it in the budget ten years ago, we budgeted two-and-a-half million (dollars). Inflation happens, so it cost us four-and-a-half (million) to actually get it built,” says Seewood.

Mr. Seewood, Columbia Mayor Barbara Buffaloe, fire chief Clayton Farr and Councilman Donald Waterman were among the speakers at Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mr. Seewood tells 939 the Eagle the 12 firefighters to staff fire station 11 have been hired and are ready to start.