Tybee Island secures $5 million for new fire station and emergency operations center

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) -$5 million in federal funding is heading to Tybee Island to help build a new fire station and the island’s first Emergency Operations Center.

The current Jones Avenue station was built in the 1930s for a volunteer department and no longer meets the needs of Tybee’s full-time fire department.

When Firefighter Ashton Bouknight is called to an emergency, she has to run from her living quarters to the engine bay, crossing gravel and rocks along the way.

“When we respond over here, we do have to run across the gravel and everything,” Bouknight said.

Fire Chief Justin McMillian said the delay costs valuable time.

“Seconds and minutes matter when emergencies are happening,” McMillian said.

The project is getting a boost from $5 million in federal funding through the 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

“It will give us quick access to the north and south ends. So, we’re very excited about improving our response times out there,” McMillian said.

The funding will also help build the island’s first dedicated Emergency Operations Center.

“For the first time, we will have a dedicated space in the event of an emergency or a hurricane or anything of that nature,” McMillian said.

The new station will be a two-story facility, offering more space and better amenities for firefighters.

“It’ll be really a fire station for Tybee’s future,” said Bret Bell, Tybee Island city manager.

The total project is expected to cost around $12 million. The project is in the design phase and expected to break ground later this year.