CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Bond 2024 will be on the ballot in the upcoming November election.
The bond includes replacing two Corpus Christi Fire Department fire stations and acquiring land for more of them as the city grows. Construction of two Corpus Christi Police Department substations, one in the Calallen area and another on the Southside, is also included in the bond.
City leaders broke down how public-safety infrastructure like the substations can benefit Corpus Christi residents.
"It's a building that is inviting," Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said. "We want people, our residents, to come in to, you know, ask questions, to speak with someone if they need to."
Guajardo said substations are a resource for both police and residents.
While the Calallen and South Side substations are in Bond 2024 for construction, another one in the La Palmera Mall area is included for design only. She said first responders are critical as the city grows and must be kept at the forefront.
"They must be equipped first and foremost," Guajardo said. "We have to have a safe city. We must know that our senior citizens, our children, our parents are all safe."
Bond 2024 has replacement projects for Fire Stations 8 and 10, Guajardo explained. Like the Calallen and South Side police substations, those are carryovers from Bond 2022 and will be listed on Bond 2024 as construction projects. Land acquisition for additional fire stations is also in Bond 2024.
CCFD Assistant Chief of Special Service Billy Belyeu said they are looking to move Fire Station 8 farther down Kostoryz Road, closing gaps and improving response times.
"We do run data on trying to figure out where's the best way to maximize the station location to meet our response objective," Belyeu said.
Belyeu said seven CCFD fire stations are more than 50 years old. He said that means higher costs to maintain and repair them, new technology is being underutilized and the department is outgrowing them.
A new Fire Station 8 and 10 would be built, personnel would move to the new station and the city would decide what to do with the old building, according to Belyeu. He added what the role of the department would be if these projects are approved by voters.
"Efficiently, you know, build these stations, locate these stations to allow us to serve these citizens better," Belyeu said.
Belyeu said there is also a request from CCFD in Bond 2024 for funds to fix current buildings. That includes a warehouse that houses their gear, an emergency operations center and the fire department's headquarters.