Fire Station Stalled By Alcoa Power Dispute

There is a five-acre parcel on the edge of Alcoa's large Goose Creek site that would be perfect for the city's new fire department headquarters.

But there's a lack of oxygen right now in the negotiating room as the aluminum plant focuses its attention on a make-or-break electric bill deal with power provider Santee Cooper.

City officials have identified areas to house the next three fire stations, including the Liberty Hall neighborhood and the future Carnes Crossing development.

The new headquarters is expected near the St. James Avenue Walmart at the edge of Alcoa's property. Once completed, the city would then renovate or rebuild the existing fire HQ on Brandywine Boulevard.

But, the sides have yet to get to the table to begin talks. City Administrator Dennis Harmon told council earlier this month that the city has done an appraisal on the best location for the fire station.

"We're waiting on Alcoa to give us an answer on what type of participation they're willing to enter into with the city for that site," he said. 

Both Harmon and Mayor Micheal Heitzler were quick to note that they understand the delay on any feedback from the company.

The aluminium production plant rang the alarm in August that . In September, , noting the company provides $110 million in state and local revenue and has a $900 million economic impact in the state.

The contract with Santee Cooper runs through December 2015. Alcoa has until June to give notice that it won't renew the contract. and have each toured the facility and called for a compromise on the power bill.

"We have met with the city about the (fire station) request," said Alcoa spokeswoman Erin Pabst. "But we’ve been consumed with our ongoing power negotiations and haven’t had the chance to fully consider it."  

Councilman Jerry Tekac brought up the fire station issue at the last council meeting and noted on last week that it was

He noted that the council not only needs to discuss how to pay for the site, but also how to fund construction and staffing costs.

"While I understand that the property that is best suited for our needs is currently owned by Alcoa and they have more pressing needs with trying to secure a long term contract from Santee Cooper, that shouldn’t impede our quest to provide essential services to our residents," Tekac said.