Plans are moving ahead for Foley’s fourth fire station after the city acquired a five-acre parcel on East Fern Avenue that officials say will expand fire protection coverage on the city’s north side.

Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby said the property was donated to the city and has officially been recorded. Following the acquisition, the Foley City Council voted to seek design plans for the new facility, which will become Fire Station No. 4.

Darby said the city is preparing to issue requests for proposals, or RFPs, seeking architectural and engineering firms to develop concepts for the station.

“Our next step would be to solicit architectural engineering firms to put together some design ideas for us,” Darby said. “We've already put a RFP together and got some ideas about just general scope, and think there's going to be quite a bit of interest in firms that will submit for that.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the project is intended to keep public safety infrastructure aligned with Foley’s continued growth.

“Growth requires planning, and this project is an example of the city working to ensure that public safety infrastructure keeps pace with development,” Hellmich said. “This will improve our ability to protect our residents and visitors as Foley develops. Our medical services are expanding in this area in addition to new homes and businesses coming in. This station will also allow our first responders quick access to two of our major highways.”

The East Fern Avenue property will provide access to both Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express, allowing emergency crews to respond more quickly to developing areas of the city.

Darby said that if submitted designs fit within the city’s budget, officials plan to complete the station design this year and begin construction next year.

Current plans call for only part of the property to be used for the fire station. Riviera Utilities is also studying whether the remaining land could be used for a well and water storage facility.