The design phase for a new $13 million Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) station in the Seaport is underway.

A two-bay ambulance station will be located in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) adjacent to Pier 10 on Dry Dock Avenue. Last March the Boston Planning and Development Agency approved the space for a future EMS station to serve the South Boston Waterfront.

City Councilor President Ed Flynn whose district includes the Seaport said the new station will address the critical need for basic city services and public safety infrastructure for neighbors in the South Boston Waterfront.

“This new EMS station will address the increased demand for EMS calls and ensure that the response times will keep the community safe,” Flynn said.

Currently, the EMS station on West Broadway in South Boston serves both that neighborhood and the Seaport. However, the number of people living in the Seaport has grown by 200 percent over the last 10 years increasing demand for emergency services. Flynn said due to the rapid population growth, he has made the new station his top priority over the last six years.

Flynn said he has spoken to business executives in the Seaport and prospective businesses interested in moving to the area who have questioned why there has not been a fire and EMS presence.

“We have a lot of life sciences in that area and it’s critical public safety can respond to any situation in the waterfront,” Flynn said. “I’m making sure it’s a top priority for me to get this done.”

“South Boston is a major business hub and attraction for tourists,” Flynn said. “It’s crucial to locate an EMS and fire station in the waterfront to cater to this population.”

The new Seaport facility will allow Boston EMS to establish a permanent presence in the neighborhood and provide services such as assistance with emergency planning and preparedness, support for city services and injury prevention and community education focused on safety and life-saving skills.

Flynn said the new station will decrease response times for emergencies in the area.

The median response time for an ambulance is 6.3 minutes. According to Boston EMS, call volume has doubled due to the increase in population and visitors to the area. With more development and more residents, this new location in the RLFMP has direct access to Dry Dock Avenue to help expedite ambulance response times.

“It’s about working together with the business community, residents and government to improve neighborhood services in this community,” Flynn said.