el paso could see construction of new police and fire stations

A bond proposal may go before El Paso voters this fall that will fund the construction of new police command centers in the downtown, eastside, and northwest sections of the city.

According to a new study conducted by the City of El Paso, there is a need for such facilities in the growing but congested city to improve emergency response times.

The bond, with an estimated price tag of some $900 million, would also pay for the construction of a new El Paso Fire Department headquarters, as well as additional new fire stations on both the east and west sides of the city.

The results of the study are now being reviewed by members of the El Paso City Council. Those members may vote within the next month or so to put the bond question on the ballot for the coming November election.

If ultimately approved by voters, the bond, which would have a lifespan of a decade, could also be used to pay for the construction of a new police and fire academy.

The city study, 25 By 2025—Vision Next, notes that the current fire training academy was built in the 1960s, has limited space and is in generally poor condition.

By Garry Boulard

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