SWANZEY, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Construction of a new fire station in Swanzey officially got underway this week with a ceremonial groundbreaking on Old Homestead Highway.

The $3.5 million project will replace Station #2, which has long operated out of the basement of Town Hall. Town officials say the new building will provide firefighters with modern accommodations, including four truck bays, a training room, and dedicated decontamination areas.

The plan had been debated for years, appearing on the town meeting warrant seven times before finally winning approval in March. Voters backed the project 1,195 to 226, agreeing to finance it through a $2.5 million bond, $500,000 from the Fire Stations Capital Reserve Fund, $200,000 in federal grant money, and additional taxation and other funding sources. The estimated tax impact is about 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value.

In a post announcing the milestone, town officials said, “This project has been years in the making, and it represents our community’s commitment to safety, service, and the future of Swanzey.”

They added that the new facility is “about investing in the people who put their lives on the line for us every day and the services they provide for our communities.”

The town also extended appreciation to residents and the fire department for their support, writing, “A HUGE thank-you goes out to the community and voters, town officials, and our incredible Fire Department for making this possible!”

Construction management is being handled by Gordon Services Property Maintenance, LLC., which was awarded the bid earlier this year.