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County, city and fire chiefs back new containerized training facility; site work to start next week
Summary
County staff and city partners described plans for a modular containerized public‑safety training facility on county land, including site prep, temporary power and water arrangements and coordination with area departments; commissioners signaled support and asked for an MOU review.
County and city public‑safety leaders described plans to install a modular containerized training building on county land for joint police, SWAT and fire training, with site work due to begin as early as next week.
County staff said the structure is a temporary, foundationless stack of containers that can be moved but built to last for years. Site work will include topsoil removal, grading and a 6‑by‑60 pad to sit the stacked containers and construction of a 180‑by‑180 hard‑packed area for operations. County staff told commissioners they had coordinated with neighboring municipalities (Rochester and Somersworth) and expected those departments to assist with volunteer work days and personnel support for training.
The county will provide temporary generator power and run a temporary water supply; officials plan to install a permanent water line and hydrant after winter. County staff also said they will inspect an older on‑site building for reuse (a former treatment plant) and perform asbestos and mold sampling before deciding whether to renovate or remove it. Commissioners discussed possible culvert/low‑point drainage fixes after winter and options to harden the access road.
Law‑enforcement and fire chiefs and county staff described joint training uses including search‑and‑rescue, hostage scenarios, gas training (with post‑use airing/hose‑out procedures) and SRT/SWAT exercises. County staff also noted the site could be used by multiple municipalities and that the county has arranged community‑service crews to assist with wood removal and site preparation.
County staff said the city prepared a draft MOU and will circulate it; commissioners asked for a copy and said they were generally supportive of the plan. The county did not take a recorded vote at the meeting but directed staff to proceed with site preparations, container bids and coordination with city and municipal partners.
