Fire instructor Jon Longley, second from left, assists with attaching a nozzle at a Region 9 fire simulation in 2023. (Rose Lincoln/Staff Writer)

BETHEL — Two new buildings at Region 9 School of Applied Technology are still closed because of an inadequate water supply, according to School Administrative District 44 Director Levi Brown.

About 45 Telstar High School students attend the technology school in Mexico.

In his report Aug. 18, Brown said the welding building and culinary arts buildings were completed in January of this year. The intent was to move in during February school vacation week.

“(Region 9) board Director Bruce Ross of Dixfield said the board was recently informed the 350-gallons-per-minute (fire hydrant) supply is not enough,” Brown said previously. “The Office of the State Fire Marshal has decided it needs to be 450 gallons per minute, (Ross) said.”

“Several proposals were soundly rejected by the fire chief,” said Brown. “Right now those buildings are going to remain unopened.”

Brown said the fire chief said he is not going to sign off until there’s a 25,000 gallon cistern located close to the road. “He wants it for the benefit of more than Region 9,” Brown added.

The Region 9 board will meet Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. at Region 9 School of Applied Technology, 377 River Road, Mexico.