City to break ground on new fire station Dec. 5

FORT MADISON – The City of Fort Madison will host a groundbreaking and project update for the new fire station and public works facility on Friday, December 5, 2025, starting at 2 p.m. at the new fire station location at 2200 Avenue L.
After the groundbreaking ceremon,  a project update will be held at the Public Works facility location at 1320 21st. Street.
The Fort Madison Fire Department received overwhelming support of for the new station when voters approved a bond to borrow up to $12 million to construct the new facility. Since that time, plan alterations have reduced the cost to under $7 million per engineer estimates. The City is obligated to use its best resources to reduce that cost as much as possible. Bids will be received at Tuesday's City Council meeting for 17,250 sq. ft. fire station.
Construction will begin in the spring of 2026 for the fire station to move the Fire Department into adequate space for equipment, staff, and other needs to provide fire and rescue services to the community.
The Fort Madison Public Works Department is currently in the process of construction of a 15,000 sq. ft. building for trucks and heavy equipment storage. The project was awarded to Schickedanz Construction for $1.52 million. The building will be equipped with adequate electrical and plumbing needs for future additions to include additional parking for staff, locker room, and break room renovations at the current Water Distribution Building. Development of a new salt storage building and additional land areas for future growth of the department are also being planned.
County officials will also holding an open house at the new Meller Family Health Center with a presentation beginning at  4 p.m. and tours through 6 p.m. the same day.