Accepting the low bid of $567,753, the town of Edgecomb has awarded the contract for construction of the new fire station to the Rockport-based Penobscot Company.
“We’re very excited to get started,” said Edgecomb Selectman Jack Sarmanian. “This whole process has been nine years in the making.”
Sarmanian said groundbreaking would occur within two months and the project would take roughly five months to complete. The town is funding the construction with $100,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and a $575,000 Maine Municipal Bond Bank loan.
According to their website, the Penobscot Company has extensive experience in municipal construction projects including public facilities at Damariscotta Lake State Park in Jefferson and the South Bristol Town Office. Sarmanian said the company has a reputation for efficient craftsmanship and flexibility with strong local roots.
The final figure submitted by the Penobscot Company was adjusted to reflect Value Engineering; a process in which variations are applied to the original architectural plans in order to meet a specific budget requirement. In total, six companies submitted bids with prices ranging from $909,000 to $598,895.
According to Edgecomb Fire Chief Roy Potter, the current fire station has no running water and does not meet safety requirements mandated by the state.
The new station will allow the fire department to maintain its equipment, provide a central location for training exercises, and integrate the department in a chain of local mutual aid responders.
Sarmanian said contract language with the Penobscot Company would be finalized in the next couple of weeks.
