Prince William Supervisor Hilda Barg is threatening to take over building the River Oaks Fire Station in Woodbridge due to numerous delays and mounting construction costs.
The River Oaks Fire Station was first put on the county’s five-year plan in 2002 at a cost of nearly $5.6 million. The proposed open date was January 2006.
The station still sits on the five-year plan, now with a cost of almost $10.8 million and a June 2008 completion date.
“Money needs to be pulled back or the county needs to take over the fire station in order to get it built. We have waited long enough,” Barg said.
The booming developments near the proposed station on River Ridge Boulevard near Route 1 are scheduled to open throughout 2007. The developments include a hotel on the Cherry Hill peninsula, a condo community and a golf course. Two schools are preparing for construction.
The station’s site has changed three times in four years.
The cost doubled to $10.8 million since 2005 because the estimates “were based on historical information” from earlier projects, didn’t include the incorporation of another station or the increased cost of construction materials, said Chief Randy Baum of the Dumfries Triangle Rescue Squad and project manager.
The combination of the two stations has been planned since fiscal 2004.
The River Ridge site was secured in February 2005 and listed on the current plan, according to Baum.
River Oaks Fire Station’s five-year plan cost
Plan will include an engine company, tanker, rescue squad and ambulances.
Debt $2,363,100
Fire Levy $8,426,566
Total $10,789,666
