City awarded $400,000 grant for fire station upgrade

The City of Greencastle has been awarded a $400,000 grant through the Public Facilities Program (PFP) to rehabilitate the city's fire station, the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) announced Friday.

The planned work includes stabilization of exterior walls and windows (which will also help energy efficiency) as well as modifications to the second-floor living quarters that were cut back during construction of the original project.

The Greencastle City Council has authorized a local match commitment of $52,504 for the project. Of that total, $39,501 will come from the city's Cumulative Fire Fund, $9,503 in philanthropic capital held at the Putnam County Community Foundation and $3,500 already paid out for preliminary engineering work.

In total, OCRA awarded $4.7 million in grant funding through PFP to 14 Hoosier communities this year.

Mayor Sue Murray recently said the Greencastle project is designed to help the fire station "withstand many, many more years of use."

The fire station structure is currently at 36 years and counting, spanning the administrations of seven city mayor (including three serving multiple terms), basically without any major repairs or restoration.

"Is it in danger of falling down now? No," Mayor Murray said. "But we don't know where we would find that $400,000 (to do the work) otherwise."

Originally constructed in 1979, city officials believe the building faced pressing needs for exterior structural improvements.

The project will also include such interior improvements as construction of additional office space as well as renovation of the bunkroom and kitchen.

"This grant will help in efforts to rehabilitate a local fire station, which adds value to the vibrant community of Greencastle," State Sen. Pete Miller (R-Avon) said. "The $400,000 will be put to good use and is an investment that will benefit brave firefighters who deserve a positive work environment as they focus on protecting lives."

"Public safety is a top concern for all communities and I am happy to see this grant go to our Greencastle fire station," State Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) said. "Our hardworking and well-deserving firefighters will see much-needed structural improvements to the station, which will help provide adequate space for optimal operations."

"I am confident these renovations will have a positive impact on the entire area," District 44 State Rep. James Baird (R-Greencastle) said. "We appreciate the efforts of Ms. Jill Curry, West Central Indiana community liaison, for assisting with this granting process."

Establishment and continued maintenance of public facilities and historic buildings is vital to the identity of an area, but also to the preservation of the culture of the entire state, OCRA Executive Director Bill Konyha said.

"With PFP funds, Greencastle is taking a huge step in ensuring the safety and well being of not only its firefighters, but also its residents," Konyha added.

The goals of PFP are to improve quality of place in communities across the state as well as to generate jobs and spur economic revitalization. Eligible PFP projects range from community facilities such as libraries, museums, community centers, and performance spaces to historic preservation efforts.

Funding for PFP comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Community Development Block Grant program and is administered for Indiana by OCRA.