Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  The City of Foley is moving ahead with plans for a fourth fire station. The project would provide better coverage on the city's north side. City leaders now have the land and are beginning the design process. Current plans call for the station to be designed in 2026 and for construction to begin in 2027, if the submitted designs fit the city's budget, according to Foley Fire Chief Joey Darby.

Darby said the property on East Fern Avenue has been donated to the city, and the parcel has been recorded. He said the Foley City Council voted to seek design plans for the new facility.

The station will be known as Fire Station No. 4. Darby said Foley will issue requests for proposals (RFPs) inviting companies to submit design ideas for the site. Darby said the city wants firms to work with Foley on the design. He said officials have already prepared an RFP and believe "there's going to be quite a bit of interest" from firms that want to submit.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said, "Growth requires planning," and called the project an example of Foley ensuring that public safety infrastructure keeps pace with development. Hellmich said the station will improve Foley's ability to protect residents and visitors. He also said medical services are expanding in that area, along with new homes and businesses, making the station important as the northern side grows.

The East Fern Avenue parcel covers five acres and provides access to both Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express. Darby said the location will also give first responders quick access to two of Foley's major highways.

Current plans call for part of the property to be used for the fire station. Riviera Utilities is also studying whether the remaining land could be used for a well and a water storage facility.

Darby said the design work will proceed first. If the submitted plans remain within budget, the city expects the project to proceed to construction.

The proposal comes as Foley continues to develop on its north side. City officials said the new station is intended to keep emergency response and public safety services in step with that growth.

Hellmich said the station will improve the city's ability to protect residents and visitors. He added that the area is seeing more services, homes, and businesses, and that the site offers quick access to Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express.

Foley officials said the donated land has been recorded, clearing a key step before design work begins. The city now plans to solicit ideas from outside firms as it shapes the design of Fire Station No. 4.

Once built, the station would expand Foley's fire coverage in a fast-growing area. The project also illustrates how city departments and utility planning can overlap on a single site as development continues in northern Foley.