Site work has begun for a planned $5.6 million project to improve the Raymond S. Burton training facility in Bethlehem.
A mix of State government and public safety officials joined North Country first responders at the ceremony held Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, at the Trudeau Road site. More than $6 Million in funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has been designated for structural improvements at the site, which are intended to improve safety, accessibility, training quality and opportunities for firefighters and EMS providers.
“Today marks a new era in our commitment to excellence in training,” said Director Justin Cutting of the Division of Fire Standards and Training & Emergency Medical Services. “This upgraded facility is not just a physical space; it will serve as a vital tool for firefighters to hone their skills, enhance their readiness, and ensure they are equipped to handle the toughest challenges with confidence and competence.”
The site will feature a new fire station, upgraded classroom space, a decontamination area and necessary upgrades to the existing electrical system, water and sewer, and a replacement of the HVAC system.
Additionally, the area will have a State Department of Motor Vehicle training facility, which will also provide for additional services for people looking for driver education and licensing services in the North Country.
The academy sits on a 12.1-acre site that until it was acquired by the state on May 29, 2013, had previously been owned by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and used to support its operations in the nearby White Mountain National Forest.
It’s expected the work will take 18-24 months to complete.
