Gov. Beshear Announces Funding for Volunteer Fire Station and Community Building in Vanceburg
DLG Commissioner Tony Wilder Presents Check
VANCEBURG, KY – October 21, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Steve Beshear today announced funding to support construction of a new building in Vanceburg that will house a volunteer fire station and community center. Department for Local Government (DLG) Commissioner Tony Wilder presented a check to Vanceburg Mayor Angie Patton. The $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to the city of Vanceburg will supplement a $225,000 investment by the city.
“The new Vanceburg Volunteer Fire Department and multi-purpose facility will allow residents to receive more efficient and effective emergency response services, while also providing a centralized meeting location for the community,” said Gov. Beshear. “By allowing firefighters to rapidly provide aid when it is needed most, this improvement could mean the difference in life and death for citizens.”
The current facility is insufficiently able to support swift emergency response services. The fire department has outgrown its current facility and is unable to store all resources in one location, resulting in delayed and unorganized responses. When a call is received, the fire department must coordinate resources and equipment that are housed in multiple locations. The city currently stores two vehicles outside due to limited space within the existing structure. The Vanceburg Volunteer Fire Department serves approximately 275 households and 1,371 residents. The department responds to over 100 calls per year while providing service assistance to neighboring fire departments and communities.
In addition to housing a fire station, the facility will serve as a multi-purpose community center for Vanceburg residents. The residents currently do not have a facility they can utilize for large gatherings.
“As a former volunteer firefighter, it’s a special pleasure for me to be involved in this project to improve Vanceburg Fire Department Facilities,” said DLG Commissioner Tony Wilder. “Better equipment and facilities translate into improved effectiveness, morale and increased volunteerism. The obvious result is a safer community.”
The approximately 6,000 square-foot dual purpose structure will be built on 2.4 acres and will contain room to store all of the Vanceburg Volunteer Fire Department’s equipment and resources. The facility will contain three double bays to house six trucks, a community room, kitchen, offices and restrooms. The city of Vanceburg will own, operate and maintain the building, which will meet all Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements. The new facility will approximately double the size of the current station and storage facility.
“The new facility is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our volunteer first responders in the protection of our Vanceburg community,” said Sen. Robin Webb, of Grayson. “The centralized equipment and operational base will enhance their service, not only in response time, but overall capability. We hope the Fire Station will be a hub for community events that bring us closer together.”
“Volunteer firefighters perform an essential and, sometimes, thankless duty for our rural communities,” said Rep. Jill York, of Grayson. “I appreciate the Department of Local Government’s commitment in seeing this project come to fruition as it will benefit and enhance the protection of our county’s citizens.”
The state’s CDBG program is administered by DLG and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Kentucky’s Congressional leaders’ ongoing support of the CDBG program ensures the availability of continued funding in Kentucky and nationally.
Contact:
Kerri Richardson
Jill Midkiff
502-564-2611
