Since an accidental fire destroyed the Sequatchie County Highway Department in late October 2008, the department has been forced to work away from its usual place on Russell Street. Construction of a new facility at the old site nears completion and workers are moving in.
“It’s taken about seven months to complete this new building for the highway department, but I believe it was very worth it,” County Executive Michael Hudson said.
The new facility, built on the same spot as the old building, cost approximately $274,000. Insurance on the old building covered about $100,000, noted Hudson.
“It’s brand new, it’s safer, it’s nicer and it is ready to move in,” he said.
In fact, the highway department began moving into its new home Tuesday, January 12.
The old building was constructed partly of wood in the 1920s, while the new building is constructed primarily of metal products.
An alternative heater is available in the garage, which runs off of diesel fuel. There are two large bay areas of the garage and one small bay door. A storage room is located in the garage next to an emergency area for chemicals.
The office area of the building features two large offices, a storage room, a handicap accessible restroom and kitchenette.
“There is just no comparison between this building and the last,” said Hudson.
Road Supervisor Tommy Sims said, the building has been built professionally and quickly and he expects the workers to have no trouble operating within the facility.
Final word has not been released concerning whether Briggs Lassiter, a highway department worker who suffered from severe burns during the fire in 2008, will be able to work at the new facility or not, though he has greatly improved, noted Hudson.
“I think this facility will serve the people of Sequatchie County well for a long time,” he said.
|
|
|