Tollandtouse state bond money to fix crumbling foundation at Fire Station 140

Jul. 15—Town Council Chairman Steven Jones, who also serves as chairman of the Firehouse Subcommittee, said that the committee is grateful for the advocacy the state legislators and municipal leaders put toward the funding request.

"Tolland is one of the hardest-hit communities for crumbling foundations for private homes and public buildings like Birch Grove Primary and now our firehouse," he said.

Jones said that the construction of Station 340, and now the work that will be done to Station 140, is being funded as part of a $5 million firehouse capital improvement project that was approved by voters in a 2021 referendum.

He said Station 140 is the third firehouse on the list to be fixed, after Station 340 and Station 440 on Plains Road, which was originally planned to be reconstructed along with Station 340, but will now be refurbished and expanded due to inflationary costs.

While there is no timeline for Station 440 as of yet, Jones said the construction at Station 340 is expected to be completed in March 2024.

Jones said that Station 140 is currently in use, and at the beginning of the year it was identified to be in good condition, but through testing was found to have had a crumbling foundation due to high levels of pyrrhotite.

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"The funding will be needed to eventually replace the foundation, and the town is actively monitoring any change in quality," said Jones.

At a recent Town Council meeting, Town Finance Director Lisa Hancock said that $5 million was the highest bonding amount that the town could receive, and that the approved money could not be used toward current projects due to stipulations.

"I'm so glad to see Tolland is getting some much needed relief," said Town Council member and Rep. Tammy Nuccio, R-Tolland. "This investment from the state will directly lower property tax by reducing our long term debt for the fire station rebuild project. This project represents an important investment in public safety for the 53rd District."

"As we move through the Station 340 rebuild, we will have a better idea of what is ahead of us," Foley said. "I hope not to have to rebuild any more firehouses, and will look to repair, refurbish, or modernize the existing buildings."

Jones said that the Firehouse Subcommittee will meet on July 20 to discuss how the funds will impact the town-wide firehouse project as a whole.