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For the last three years, ever since a severe storm destabilized the structural integrity of the Chesapeake Fire Department substation in Winifrede, firefighters have operated from an enclosed carport.
On Thursday, state and local officials broke ground on a nearly $3 million facility to replace the old one.
“West Virginia communities are defined by their resilience, and the story of the Chesapeake Fire Department over the last few years is the perfect example of West Virginians who persevere, no matter the weather,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. “Our first responders have done the impossible under tough conditions. Today, we are restoring a critical lifeline for thousands of families in Kanawha County.”
The department protects a stretch of interstate from Chelyan to Marmet and provides mutual aid support to Cabin Creek and East Bank.
The total price tag of $2.9 million comes from federal, state and county funds with $29,000 in financing from the fire department.
Construction is expected to begin shortly. The new facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027.