OWEGO, NY (607NewsNow) – A vital infrastructure project is moving forward in Owego.

Owego Fire Department Chief Eric Hawkins says roof repairs at the Central Fire Station are slated to begin after discussions with NYSEG.

The announcement comes just days after Hawkins publicly called on the utility company to act, citing continued water damage to the building’s exterior amid heavy rainfall.

Previously, contractors could not work safely due to live power lines above the building, which Hawkins chalks up to a “temporary breakdown in communication” with NYSEG. Plans to safely de-energize the lines have now been finalized.

“We are grateful that we’re now moving in the right direction,” said Hawkins in a Facebook post. “We recognize that recent communication gaps may have caused confusion, but we’re happy to report that everyone is now aligned and working together to protect this historic structure.”

Built in 1911, Owego’s Central Fire Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.