NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen are seeking design and building contractors to construct a new central fire and rescue station on Route 100.

The board this week approved a document that solicits qualifications and proposals for a design/build that requires applicants to submit a letter of interest with qualification information by noon on Feb. 20.

The contract award is contingent on voter approval for funding at the May 7 town meeting.

Once approval comes, a contact will be awarded by selectmen on June 4 and permitting thereafter with construction commencing in September with substantial completion expected by June 2008.

A 25-acre parcel on Route 100 across from Pine Tree Seeds was purchased by voters last year for the central fire station.

The building specifications call for a 13,540-square-foot, fire-rescue central station, including roughly a 6,500-square-foot bay area for vehicle storage, and 6,900 square feet of fire support, living and administrative areas.

The project includes site work, access roads, parking, utilities and landscaping.

Selectmen will choose no more than eight design/build contractors to interview tentatively on March 13 and 14. No more than four contractors from the pool interviewed will be requested to submit completed proposals for the project.

A design honorarium will be awarded to contractors whose proposals are not selected at the time of the final award.

The request for proposal and project specification for the central fire station can be obtained at the Town Hall during business hours. The application includes the letter of invitation seeking a letter of interest and qualifications.

New Gloucester now relies on limited space at the Upper Gloucester Highway Department garage for a portion of its fleet and the Lower Gloucester Fire Station.