Project Overview
The City of Merced respectfully requests $5.4 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to complete funding for the construction of Fire Station 56 in North Merced. The project will establish a fully staffed fire station and a dedicated Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to address documented emergency response time deficiencies, support continued residential and economic growth and strengthen regional disaster preparedness.
Merced has experienced significant population and development growth over the past decade, particularly in its northern neighborhoods. New housing developments, expanding commercial activity, and increased population have significantly increased demand for emergency services. However, existing fire protection infrastructure has not kept pace with this growth. As a result, emergency response times in North Merced currently exceed recommended service standards in several areas, creating public safety risks and placing additional strain on existing stations and personnel.
Public Safety Need
Fire Station 56 will strategically serve the City’s fastest-growing area, improving response times for fire suppression, emergency medical services, and rescue operations. The facility will include modern apparatus bays, firefighter living quarters, training and operational space, and the equipment needed to support a fully staffed engine company. Locating these resources closer to residents and businesses in North Merced will significantly improve response reliability and help ensure faster emergency assistance.
The project also includes construction of a dedicated Emergency Operations Center. The EOC will serve as the City’s central coordination hub during major emergencies such as wildfires, flooding, extreme weather events, or other large-scale incidents. The facility will support emergency communications, incident coordination, and disaster response planning among local, regional, and state agencies. Strengthening this capacity is especially important given Merced’s role as a regional service hub in the Central Valley and its exposure to climate-driven disasters such as wildfires and extreme heat.
Project Budget and Local Commitment
The total cost of the Fire Station 56 and Emergency Operations Center project is $14.1 million. The City of Merced has already committed $8.7 million in local funding toward planning, site preparation, and construction. This substantial local investment demonstrates the City’s commitment to strengthening public safety infrastructure and addressing service gaps in rapidly growing areas.
The requested $5.4 million in federal funding will close the remaining funding gap and allow the project to proceed immediately into final design and construction. With the majority of project funding already secured locally, Congressionally Directed Spending will ensure that this critical public safety project can move forward without delay.
Fiscal Responsibility and Community Impact
The City is also exploring complementary financing options, including potential use of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program. However, Congressionally Directed Spending remains the most cost-effective approach because it avoids long-term debt obligations and preserves future Community Development Block Grant resources for neighborhood revitalization and economic development.
Federal investment in Fire Station 56 will improve emergency response times, enhance disaster preparedness, and support safe and sustainable growth in Merced. This project represents a critical investment in resilient public safety infrastructure that will protect residents, support economic development, and strengthen the region’s ability to respond to emergencies for decades to come.
ATTACHMENT ONE
City of Merced, California Fire Station 56 and Emergency Operations Center Construction Project – FY 2027 Congressionally Directed Spending Request Application