As construction continues on Foley’s first responder safe room, the city and Baldwin County are working together to prepare the site to support emergency personnel during hurricanes and other severe events.
The Foley City Council recently approved an easement extension that will help provide utility access to the site at the intersection of East Berry Avenue and North Poplar Street, where the facility is currently under construction.
The city acquired the parcel from Baldwin County, which still owns adjoining property. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project is another example of cooperation between the two governments.
“We’re not doing the whole easement on the city side,” Hellmich said. “We’re taking half of the city’s property and half of the county’s so we jointly share that easement coming into both of our properties.”
Buford King said the easement work will allow Riviera Utilities to extend electrical service to the site.
“The two easements, working together, will give Riviera the access they need to bring power into the first responder safe room,” King said.
The city is also improving infrastructure around the facility. The council approved a resolution to install three decorative street lights along East Berry Avenue near the construction site.
Construction on the safe room began earlier this year and is expected to be completed in 2027.
When finished, the facility will provide a secure shelter for firefighters, police officers and other emergency responders during hurricanes and severe weather events. When not in use during emergencies, the building will also serve as a training center.
Plans call for the safe room to accommodate more than 200 people during a hurricane. The structure is being designed to withstand winds of up to 200 miles per hour.
The building will also include a 400-kilowatt generator capable of operating on either natural gas or diesel fuel, along with kitchen facilities and other resources needed to support personnel during extended emergencies.