By Shavonne Potts
Salisbury Post
ROCKWELL ó Rockwell Rural Fire Department has received a $600,000 federal loan to build a new fire station.
U.S. Rep. Howard Coble announced Tuesday the loan had been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funds will come from the department’s Rural Development program.
Coble, whose district includes Rockwell, said in a release that a new fire station is needed for the growing area.
“The Rockwell Rural Fire Department serves more than 40 square miles and more than 7,000 people,” Coble said.
The new station will be the second for the fire district.
The money will be used to build a 7,200-square-foot station that will be pre-engineered steel with a masonry veneer.
The facility is expected to have three double drive-through apparatus bays, a meeting room, storage room, kitchen and restrooms.
Fire Chief Allen Cress said he expects the station to be operational by February 2008.
The loan is for 30 years at an interest rate of 4.25 percent.
Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253 or spotts@salisburypost.com.