South Beach Regional Fire Authority commissioners have entered in to a contract for the purchase of the Levee Lumber property located at 805 State Route 105.

Negotiations for this site began in October of 2019 and closed in March, according to a statement from Chief Dennis Benn. The purchase price was negotiated at $375,000, to be paid off over a period of annual installments.

The purchase of the property is in alignment with South Beach Regional Fire Authority’s strategic plan.

“This will allow for improved station facilities and will provide improved service and insurance ratings to a greater number of citizens in the South Beach area,” said Benn. “It is our desire to plan for sustainability and recovery of your fire department in the event of a natural disaster like a tsunami, major flood or other disasters. The Levee Lumber property is centrally located, allowing improved response to most of our fire and aid calls.”

The concept for facility improvement started in 2009, when the City of Westport hired Emergency Services Consulting Incorporated to perform an emergency master plan study of the Westport Fire Department. The plan identified several deficiencies of the Westport Fire Station which hinder improvement and service delivery to the citizens of the community, said Benn.

“As we plan and evaluate fire station granting or funding options, the building will be utilized as a classroom and training area,” said Benn. “We are planning Phase 1 of the project for 2021 which will be to evaluate the current structure and determine the next steps towards a new fire station. It is important to note that this property is not manned at this time and if you are in need of emergency assistance please call 911.”