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Board authorizes master‑plan study for county fire and rescue training facility on Greens Corner Road
Summary
The board approved a motion to let the Culpeper Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association proceed with a master‑planning study for a proposed training center on a 20‑acre county parcel on Greens Corner Road and authorized use of CIP funds for the study.
The Culpeper County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 10 authorized the Culpeper Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association to proceed with a master‑plan study for a proposed fire and rescue training facility on a 20‑acre county parcel off Greens Corner Road.
Work‑group members and volunteer chiefs told the board the county needs local training infrastructure to provide repeated practical training and maintain perishable firefighting skills. The association sought authorization to fund a master plan and feasibility study from county capital improvement funds; staff presented an architect’s proposal (FGM Architects) with a base cost estimate around $26,000 and a requested authorization of $35,000 to cover add‑ons and contingencies.
Why it matters: Volunteer and career first responders use controlled burn buildings, high‑bay training spaces and drafting pads to practice skills that require repetition. Presenters said relying on neighboring jurisdictions’ facilities is increasingly difficult because those facilities’ schedules are fuller and the county’s training needs — including a growing CTEC instructor and student program — have expanded.
Chief Joe Bailey (work‑group member) described desired site features: hydrant‑accessible water supply, three‑phase electrical service for breathing‑air compressors, a burn building, extrication pad, EVOC (emergency vehicle operators course) area, drafting pit and a high‑bay training shed for ladder and rope work. The committee recommended the county‑owned Greens Corner Road parcel because it is centrally located, has nearby water and three‑phase electric access, and sits about 0.3 miles (roughly 1,600 feet) from the proposed elementary school site — a distance the presenters said is comparable to other jurisdictions’ facilities that do not receive routine complaints from neighbors.
The board voted to authorize the association to move forward with the master‑plan study and to use CIP funds to pay for the work; the motion carried by voice vote.
Next steps: The association will proceed with the architect’s scope, complete the master plan and return with a phased capital cost estimate and timeline. Supervisors said the plan should consider public‑safety benefits, scheduling for volunteer training, potential revenue opportunities from fee‑based use and integration with CTEC and county emergency services.
