The background
According to previous Community Impact reporting, the three government entities approved the interlocal agreement for the facility in October 2021 to replace the existing training facility that was built in 1990 and had become obsolete.
According to data provided by Flower Mound, the original estimate for the building was $6.8 million with Flower Mound providing $2.7 million, or 40.6%, and Highland Village contributing nearly $535,800, or 7.8%, and Lewisville contributing $3.5 million, or 51.6%.
Current situation
According to a Highland Village news release, significant groundwater intrusion was evident during the pre-construction phase. The contractor proposed a de-watering system to achieve the following goals:
- Lower groundwater levels
- Remove saturated soil
- Replace the soil with suitable material, stabilizing the foundation for construction
According to the news release, an additional $395,000 is required to cover the additional cost and replenish the contingency. Highland Village’s portion at 7.8% is $30,810, which will be funded in the fiscal year 2023-24 budget.
The news release states the joint training facility is anticipated to be completed in November. The three goals of the new facility are:
- Providing Highland Village Fire Department access to a nearby training facility
- Giving opportunity to train with Lewisville and Flower Mound who regularly work emergency scenes together
- Saving taxpayer dollars by sharing the operational costs with the other two departments
