SLIPPERY ROCK — The Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Team this morning broke ground on the first phase of its new facility, three years after it began fundraising for the project.

“It’s taken a lot of work and time,” said Ron Steele, the firefighter in charge of the project.

Phase one is expected to cost $1.2 million and will include a 5,300-square-foot building to house ambulances and an access road that will exit on New Castle Street.

The project was designed by Ligo Architects of Slippery Rock and is being constructed by W.K. Thomas & Associates of Butler. It will be on 5.5 acres next to the fire hall.

The company’s current facility is made up of a main building, built in 1978, and a bingo hall, built in 1939, on 2 acres on Elm Street. The company wants a new facility because the old buildings are cramped and out of date.

“We’ve come a long way since 1939,” Steele said.

Over the past three years, the company has raised more than $200,000 for the project. Funding also came from a loan from First National Bank.

Once the first phase is paid off, work will begin on the project’s next phases.

Phase two will include an 8,000-square-foot hall to house fire vehicles and the removal of the current building.

Phase three will be building a 4,375-square-foot meeting hall and extra parking.