LITTLETON — A much needed facility will soon spring to life here.

On Monday, Robert Whitehead, President of the Roanoke-Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department appeared before the Northampton County Board of Commissioners for approval of a tax exempt loan for the construction of a new building at the site of the fire department’s main station. The department serves the Lake Gaston area in Northampton County.

Whitehead said the additional building will support space for training and administrative duties.

“We think that now is the time to move and invest,” he said.

The 20-year loan from First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company is for $1 million with an interest rate of 3.96 percent. The tax-exempt loan requires county approval.

Whitehead noted the fire department is looking to the future as well.

“We know at some point we’ll have a hybrid fire department (volunteer and paid staff),” he said.

He recommended the commissioner approve the loan as interest rates were at a historical loan and the last loan that was for the purchase of a pumper-truck had been paid off.

Commissioner James Hester commended the fire department for their effort in planning for the new facility.

“It looks like the fire department has done their homework, it’s very smart to move ahead right now,” he said.

Commission Chair Fannie Greene motioned to support the fire department in getting a tax-exempt loan; it was seconded by Hester. The motion passed without objection.