Brandon Twp.- Fire Chief Robert McArthur says although losing a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant seeking a $250,000 tanker is a setback to the department, he’s confident that with lower interest rates and planning, the purchase can still move forward.
Last year McArthur submitted a grant to help purchase a 3,500 gallon tanker for water supply in the new fire station No.3 located at Herd and Oakwood roads. The $1.1 million Brandon Fire Station, currently under construction should be completed in January.
‘They (FEMA) must of ran out of funds,? said McArthur. ‘It was one of the best grants we’ve ever written and we’ve received approval for grants from FEMA in the past two years.
The grant was part of a $750,000 loan needed to supply the new station No.3 with equipment when the facility opens.
On Aug. 23 the Ortonville Village Council approved the loan which must be approved by the Brandon Township council.
According to the request a new engine, a used Special Response Unit, a shift commander’s car and an ambulance will be needed by the time the new station will open.