MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On December 9th, the Township Board approved the plans to build the new fire station on the corner of Okemos Road and Central Park Drive.

Since then, news on the new station has been quiet as the planning process of the project is underway. Bids have recently gone out and the Project Manager David Todd of Wieland-Davco Co. says everything is going according to plan.

Ray Severy, Meridian Township’s Director of Public Works & Engineering, says that the project bids are due Monday, February 16th.

"The number of bids requested will depend on the different types of work that need to be done," said Severy. "Wieland-Davco Co. is responsible for reviewing contractors' bids, and then presenting them to Township officials for approval.

If the weather permits, construction should begin in mid-March. If there is too much frost on the ground, work may be delayed. Severy also expects the project will be within the budget because of the downsizing of the building.

Fire Chief Fred Cowper says that the new station is part of a much-needed overhaul. The new location will have administrative offices, as well as separate bathrooms and sleeping quarters for women firefighters. The new building will also include a back-up generator in case of a power outage, and have the added benefit of the change in location.

"We think that moving the station to the corner of Okemos Road and Central Park Drive will enhance our response time...we'll be able to take care of more of the populated area better," said Cowper.

The building of the new fire station has faced legal challenges throughout the process from residents of the Autumn Park Condominiums, located across the street from the new fire station site. Those residents have filed an appeal of Judge Joyce Draganchuk's decision with the Michigan Supreme Court. At this time, the issue is pending.

Chief Cowper says they’re ready to go full steam ahead on the project. The new station is expected to be completed by December 2015.