After years of trying, you will finally see a new station built for the Algoma Fire Department.

The department will officially break ground on the estimated $3.9 million Sunset Avenue facility on Thursday after the voters rejected two referendum questions in past years. According to city council minutes, the facility will be paid for with a portion of the proceeds from the October 2024 general obligation debt issuance, the interest earned on those proceeds, a $200,000 donation from Terrance Fulwiler, and capital projects funds reserves. Council member Wayne Schmidt is encouraging city staff to find other sources of revenue such as grants and donations to lower the cost even further.

The new building will replace the department’s current cramped headquarters on 3rd Street. Fire Chief Tom Ackerman says the extra elbow room is desperately needed.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place on October 23rd at 4:30 p.m.