Chase County leadership is now awaiting word on potential grant funding to assist in the construction of a new multi-million dollar fire department headquarters in Strong City.
According to Chase County Commission Chairman Tony Hazelton, the recent public input hearing held this past Wednesday gave commissioners a lot to think about as the process unfolds. Hazelton says the main focus at this time is securing Community Development Block Grant Funding through the state to help offset a portion of the estimated cost of construction.
Hazelton says the cost is significant, but so is the need for a newer building. He says the issues with the current HQ at 503 Elm range from mold and drainage to limited space.
The grant being sought by the commission is for $600,000 with the project having an estimated price tag of $1.9 million. In addition to the CDBG grant, Hazelton says the county is looking into several other funding avenues, however, they are doing all they can to avoid using bonds or adding any type of tax for this endeavor.
He says commissioners will be focusing on utilizing current and future budget dollars to help with the cost of construction and says this will not be a short process. Several potential locations have been identified for the new building, however, Hazelton says locking down that decision will have to wait until the county hears back about the CDBG application’s status.
If all goes according to plan, Hazelton expects word back from the state by the beginning of June.
