Fentress County officials exploring plans to build a new EMS facility, shifting away from an earlier proposal to renovate and expand the existing building.
Fentress County Executive Jimmy Johnson said the County’s Rescue Squad and Senior Center are in need of expansions as well due to growth. Johnson said rather than spending additional money on separate expansions, they could move those departments into the current EMS facility.
“It will basically let us move three to four other offices in this move,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of looking at the future, and the time we got all this is going to probably be the way we figured it’s going to save us around $3.5 million.”
The potential project would be partially funded in part through an estimated $997,000 Community Development Block Grant. The county had planned to use the money for an expansion. Johnson said they have received permission to pursue a new facility without jeopardizing the grant.
Johnson said in addition to grant funding, the county is expected to pursue a loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help cover remaining costs.
“It will be something that will be taken care of in debt service,” Johnson said. “It will very little affect the land tax.”
Johnson said the proposed facility would include expanded capacity and updated amenities for both equipment and staff. Johnson said the county is looking at plans that call for a 60-by-180-foot building with 10 ambulance bays, along with bunk rooms, office space, and training areas.
“It’ll be a great help… for us keeping those [ambulances] in out of the weather,” Johnson said. “And then it will also be for our employees… to have a place to lie down and rest… and more training rooms.”
Johnson said the new EMS facility would be located on Justice Drive, near other public safety services, including the justice center, fire hall, and 911 center. While early designs have been drafted, Johnson said the project is still in its initial stages, with multiple design options under consideration.
“We’re just in the early process of everything,” Johnson said. “Nothing is official right now. We’ll look for two different versions.”
If plans move forward, officials hope to finalize designs in the coming months and potentially break ground later this year. Johnson said the project represents a long-term investment in emergency services and future growth, while also maximizing the impact of available grant funding.