North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Daniels & Daniels Construction Co. has broken ground on a new North Carolina Forest Service Region 1 headquarters, a project local and state officials say will strengthen wildfire response and forestry management across Eastern North Carolina.
State Forester Greg Hicks, Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Duplin County Commission Chair Dexter Edwards, architect Paul Sewart of Williard Stewart Architects, and Jeremiah Daniels of Daniels & Daniels joined community members for the ceremony.
The project includes a new pre-engineered metal administrative building along with a maintenance and storage facility. Site work will include utility installation, paving, construction of a gravel lot, fencing and landscaping.
Bids will be taken as a single-prime, lump-sum contract. A preferred-brand alternate has been specified for door hardware in both buildings to ensure performance standards are met.
Daniels & Daniels, based in Duplin County, said the new facilities will support the Forest Service’s long-term operational needs, including regional coordination, equipment maintenance and community assistance.
Officials said the upgraded headquarters will help improve response capabilities across Region 1, which covers much of Eastern North Carolina’s forestland.