CROSBY The local ambulance service is soon to get a Station 2 on FM 1942.
The board of Harris County Emergency Service District #5 (HCESD#5,) Crosbys ambulance service, is currently seeking a Contractor at Risk, to handle the building of a new ambulance station on property purchased from Crosby ISD at market value plus.
The new, state-of-the-art facility is to be built to last for the next 40 to 50 years, against 130+ m.p.h. force winds and any number of elements to be withstood and could possibly be completed by the end of this year, according to John Strawbridge of the HCESD#5 Board. That estimate is assuming that permitting goes on schedule by Harris County authorities.
The responsibility of the contractor at risk is to see that each contractor completes their jobs on time and to specifications. The board is keeping the same architects for this project as their last, BGK Architects. Board members feel they are aware of the needs and strengths of this architect.
The specifications of the new 2700 square foot facility are to be adjoined to water and sewer from Municipal Utility District #50, be able to house and service up to two ambulances, and two crews for 24/7. The crews are then to have adequate daytime, bathing, and sleeping facilities.
The water line is to be bored under FM 1942 and is currently being examined by MUD #50 engineers. An establishment of a working relationship with MUD #50 is underway. The infrastructural conditions including natural gas and electricity are preexisting, the soil is excellent for the structure, according to Strawbridge a retired engineer as well as board member. Design specifications for this facility is to have much more insulation than previously required for ambulance stations.
It will not be the most cheap facility they can build but the most energy efficient that we can conceive. said Strawbridge.
The facility is to be built on 1.29 acres with a retention pond in back of the facility. All fire and safety conditions are to be met including sprinkler system. Currently, it seems as soon as a building permit can be obtained the construction can start.
Anticipated with the construction of an overpass at the Railroad tracks over FM 2100 one ambulance will be housed at the extant facility on FM 2100, North of the tracks in Crosby while plans are to keep the other at the new Station 2 for incidents that arise in more southerly locations.
The amount of expenditure for the facility has yet to be developed due to engineering and contracting considerations. Also considerations for emergency generators,fuel storage tanks, retention ponds, concrete resurfacing needs for roadways for the ambulances to and from bays will effect final price.
The new address for Station 2 is to be 647 FM 1942.