HUTTO, TEXAS — The Hutto City Council approved a plan this month to begin acquiring land and developing a design for a new fire station near the Hutto Megasite. The station will be located close to State Highway 79 and County Road 3349, about 4 miles from the Samsung plant in Taylor.

The site sits near multiple industrial developments, including data centers. The city has also begun the process of acquiring a fire truck for the new facility.

"The City of Hutto is committed to being proactive when it comes to public safety and the support of our first responders," Mayor Mike Snyder said. "This is a crucial time for Hutto and this investment will help Hutto serve its taxpayers for the next big chapter of our growth story. This is the right investment at the right time for Hutto."

Caitlin Morales, vice chair of the Hutto Economic Development Corporation, said the project would support the city's expansion. "This investment ensures that as Hutto grows, our residents and businesses are protected," Morales said.

The land was initially offered to Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 for the purpose of building a fire station, but the district declined the offer. The district said it does not understand the decision to create a duplicate fire protection system alongside the existing No. 3 service.

In April, Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 said its board authorized the fire chief and legal counsel to negotiate a contract for the purchase of land near the Hutto Megasite for future Fire Station No. 6. The district currently operates four fire stations and has land previously acquired from Hutto Independent School District for future Fire Station No. 5.

Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 3 said, "As the community continues to grow, so does the need for emergency services. To that end, WCESD 3 continues to strategically plan how to best serve the Hutto community, including new fire stations, staffing, equipment and resources to keep service levels high and response times low."

Todd Robison, president of the WCESD 3 Board of Commissioners, said, "Our firefighters, command staff and leadership team care deeply about this community. We are constantly planning ahead to make sure Hutto families and businesses continue receiving the high level of service they deserve as this community grows."

Robison also said, "Chief Kerwood is one of the most respected fire chiefs in the state, and I know his focus and commitment will continue to be on making Hutto Fire Rescue a department that all others look to as the example of excellence."