Overhaul in the Works for Fire Station

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider upping the original budget for the construction of a new fire station in Malibu during its meeting Tuesday.

A vote is expected during the 9:30 a.m. meeting Tuesday in Los Angeles.

The board originally approved an $8.196 million budget for the project in September 2011 for Fire Station No. 71, 28722 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

Now it is being asked to consider increasing that amount to $8.421 million, to accommodate the cost of the preparation of scoping documents, plan check fees, design and construction, design and other project needs, according to county documents. 

Supervisors will also vote on whether to award a $5 million contract to Erickson-Hall Construction Co., which sent in the lowest bid.

According to a county staff report, a study determined it was more cost effective to demolish the existing Fire Station 71, which is 72-years-old, and replace it with a new, larger building.

The 5,800-square-foot station will include a kitchen, dining room, day room, office space, two full bathrooms and six dormitories.

The project will also allow for the construction of a temporary fire station at the Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters to accomate firefighters and staff during construction.

If the change in funding is approved, the project could be completed as early as June 2014.