CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of a new building at Station Fairport located in Grand River, Ohio, Friday.
Attending the ceremony were: Rear Adm. Fred Midgette, commander of the Coast Guard 9th District, Congressman Dave Joyce and many other state and local partners in the area.
The Fiscal Year 2012 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill provided $16.4 million to demolish and rebuild the Coast Guard facilities at Station Fairport.
The new 18,000 square foot station building meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards and includes a modern command center, administrative offices, and training, dining and berthing spaces.
An attached boat maintenance facility and travel lift can fit the station’s largest boat. Newly-dredged boat moorings feature updated refueling facilities. The project includes upgraded security fencing, lighting, paving and landscaping. This 21st-century facility will contribute to the highest levels of Coast Guard readiness and response.
Construction of the building started in spring of 2013 and was completed this summer.
The U.S. Coast Guard Facilities Design and Construction Center, located in Norfolk, Virginia and Seattle, Washington, managed the design and construction of the new facility. The Haskell Company, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, served as prime contractor, while many local subcontractors contributed to the design and construction.
Currently the station has a complement of 22 active duty, six reserve and 30 auxiliary members from Flotilla 7-63. The station is commanded by Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Alphonso, a boatswain’s mate. There is one 45-foot response boat and one 25-foot response boat assigned to the unit.