Chestnuthill Township supervisors put another piece in place for its regional emergency center.

The supervisors agreed to obtain a plot of land across from the West End Fire Company. The fire company is transferring a 6.5-acre parcel for the location of the new shared emergency services facility.

“The existing fire house will operate as is until the new facility is completed, according to township Manager Dave Albright.

“The intent is to have the project go out to bid this winter, and depending on bid prices, we anticipate awarding in early spring and starting work during the 2022 construction season,” Albright said.

One thing he said could hinder the start of work in the 2022 construction season is inflation.

We are going to put the bids out this spring but, Albright said, “During the pandemic the construction prices and material prices have really increased, so we will have to see when the bids come in and how much construction cost has increased. Contracts will awarded once the project goes out to bid later this winter.”

Albright said some grants have been secured for the all-in-one facility for the West End Volunteer Fire Company, West End Community Ambulance Association and a Regional West End Emergency Operations Center that would serve Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross, Polk and Hamilton townships. It would also provide an administrative backup location for the Monroe County Control Center and the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management.

“Having a regional center will create cost savings, more timely aid to residents, and enhanced collaboration between the townships,” Albright said.

The 19,598-square-foot building has 13,630 square feet dedicated to the fire department and 2,781 square feet dedicated to the township’s emergency operations. West End ambulances will be housed there.

The land development plans have been approved and are available for review in Chestnuthill Township’s meeting room.