Augusta Fire Station 3 Construction Resumes After Prolonged Delays

Community Relief in Sight as Project Moves Forward

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:33am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a fire truck icon in neon shades of red, orange, and yellow, conveying the energy and importance of the new fire station for the local community.The vibrant new Fire Station 3 will bring improved emergency response and a sense of community pride to Augusta's West Side.Augusta Today

After years of delays, construction has resumed on a new fire station in Augusta, Georgia's rapidly expanding West Augusta region. The project, which was approved for funding by voters in 2015, faced setbacks due to extensive site preparation work required to remove construction debris. With the groundwork now complete, the city has awarded a $5.7 million contract to get the station built, much to the relief of local residents who have been calling for improved emergency response times in the area.

Why it matters

The new fire station is a critical public safety investment for the growing West Augusta community, which has been underserved by the existing fire department infrastructure. Residents have expressed concerns about slow response times, especially during emergencies. The station's completion will help ensure faster and more reliable emergency services for the neighborhood.

The details

Originally slated to break ground in 2024, the fire station project was delayed due to the need for extensive site preparation work. Crews had to remove over 380 truckloads of construction debris from the Gordon Highway and Powell Road location before laying the foundation. Fire Chief Antonio Burden emphasized the importance of taking the time to ensure a solid groundwork was in place. The city also had to secure additional funding beyond the original 2015 voter-approved sales tax measure to cover the nearly $5.7 million construction contract.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place in April 2024.
  • Voters approved sales tax funding for the station in 2015.
  • The city awarded the $5.7 million construction contract in November 2025.

The players

Patricia Geter

A neighborhood activist from West Augusta 6 who has expressed the community's urgent need for the new fire station.

Antonio Burden

The Augusta Fire Chief who emphasized the importance of thorough site preparation to ensure a solid foundation for the new station.

Francine Scott

An Augusta city commissioner who stated that public safety is the top priority, and the city must find the necessary funding to make the new fire station a reality.

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What they’re saying

“My main concern is quicker response times and ensuring we have a facility that meets the needs of this area.”

— Patricia Geter, Neighborhood Activist

“We had to go through some extensive groundwork and I'm of the mindset that you measure twice and cut once so we want to make sure the foundation is set and solid.”

— Antonio Burden, Fire Chief

“But this is public safety, so we have to make ends meet. We have to find the money to make all of Augusta particular in District 3, 5, Super District 10, and 9 safe.”

— Francine Scott, City Commissioner

What’s next

The contractor has stated the goal is to have the new fire station open by Thanksgiving 2026.

The takeaway

The long-awaited construction of Fire Station 3 in West Augusta represents a critical investment in public safety for the rapidly growing community. After years of delays, the project's resumption and anticipated completion by the end of 2026 will provide residents with faster emergency response times and better-equipped fire and rescue services.