The Port Arthur Fire Department reported progress Oct. 7 on construction of Fire Station No. 3, which is being relocated to the corner of First Street and Ray. City staff said monthly coordination meetings with the contractor and architect are continuing and that the project has moved steadily through construction since work began in April.

The new Station No. 3 will have three apparatus bays, an outbuilding for additional apparatus storage and about 16,000 square feet of space. Staff said the design intentionally provides extra space for future growth and equipment storage. The station replaces a building the chief said was roughly 60 years old.

The project’s current schedule calls for substantial completion in December; staff said they meet weekly with the construction team and will continue to monitor progress. The new Station No. 2 is designed as a mirror image of Station No. 3; staff reported they still need to secure a narrow strip of property (previously owned by a 501(c)(3)) before beginning pre-construction soils work and other site preparation. The city attorney is working with the owner on documentation.

Why it matters: New fire-station facilities and additional apparatus storage should improve emergency response and equipment reliability. Councilmembers asked staff to pursue the remaining property documentation urgently so work on Station No. 2 can proceed as soon as possible.