PRESHO -- Construction of a new fire hall in Presho is nearly complete, leaving the department hopeful the building will be embraced by community members and especially those considering a run at firefighting.
The final cost of the building won't be known until work is finished, but Jason Fees, Western Winds Construction project manager, said he expects the project will be done next week and with costs only slightly more than the original contracted amount of $517,000.
Fees said the extra costs stem from unexpected relocation of some water lines, the addition of two small rooms in the community area and other minor additions that were done during the construction of the 50-foot by 120-foot hall.
Since the start of construction in August, Fees said inclement weather added an extra degree of difficulty in finishing the project. A shelter had to be constructed to keep brickwork from being damaged by cold temperatures, and fall rains often turned the site into a field of mud.
Still, Fees said workers' moods are positive now that the project is coming to conclusion.
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"For the most part, it's been pretty good," Fees said. "I've had worse."
The project was partially funded by a $230,000 Community Development Block Grant. The rest of the financing is coming from a $250,000 USDA Rural Development loan and funds raised by the department.
The department plans to hold a grand opening and fundraiser once the project is complete.
Dave Cole, secretary/treasurer and first lieutenant of the Presho Fire Department, said he's excited to see the project come to fruition.
A similar project in Kennebec brought in new firefighters to that department, and he's hoping the completion of Presho's fire hall will have a similar effect on their ranks.
"We're looking down the road and, hopefully, we can spur some new interest in people to join up," Cole said. "We're expecting good things."
Cole said the department has approximately 20 members. He's hoping the new hall will help fill the 30-person roster.
