Groundbreaking held for Maryland fire station

A recent groundbreaking ceremony was held for the site of the Waterloo Fire Station in Jessup, Md., a nearly six-acre plot that will serve as the first new fire station in the eastern part of Howard County in 25 years and will improve the area’s emergency response services.

The fire station will house fire suppression equipment and emergency medical service units. The location was chosen because it will improve response times to Jessup, East Columbia, Waterloo, and surrounding communities. The region has had a growth of residential housing.

“Today is a shining example of all levels of government working together to make our citizens and our communities safer,” Gov. Larry Hogan, who attended the event, said. “Once complete, this site will be home to the first fire station in the eastern part of Howard County in 25 years, which will support vital services and improve response times to all emergencies in Waterloo, Jessup, East Columbia, and the surrounding communities.”

The Board of Public Works approved the fire station in April and purchased the land for $1 from the state. Under its agreement with the state, Howard County will invest $3.5 million in state funds to support flood mitigation efforts in Ellicott City.

The state has committed $250,000 for a public alert system and $8 million for Ellicott City’s efforts.