FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2019) – The Department for Local Government (DLG) has announced a $495,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to Johnson County Fiscal Court.
The federal funds will allow the county to construct an approximately 2,000-square-foot addition to the current W.R. Castle Fire and Rescue station located along U.S. Highway 23 near Wittensville. This grant will fund the department’s first phase of expansion, which will include the addition of a large training area, equipment storage and secure storage, office space and a working kitchen.
The county and fire department plan to complete a second phase of expansion in the future, which is expected to include the demolition of the existing station and construction of a 6-bay structure connected to the training center built during the first phase of the project.
“This project stands to keep first-responders safe by providing the department with the space it needs to train and operate, but it is also of vital importance to the public safety of more than 1,300 households in Johnson County,” DLG Commissioner Sandra K. Dunahoo said. “The fire department anticipates that the new training facility will help improve response times and help volunteer firefighters better assist the county’s most vulnerable residents.”
In addition to the CDBG funding, the W.R. Castle Fire Department will contribute $55,000 toward the project. Upon completion, the site and facility will continue to be owned, operated, maintained and insured by the W.R. Castle Fire Department.
“The original fire department was constructed nearly 40 years ago, and while department officials have wanted to expand, it just hasn’t been financially feasible,” Sen. Brandon Smith said. “I’m thrilled to see this grant funding directed toward this project.”
“This new fire department will better equip Johnson County’s dedicated volunteer firefighters to serve the public and save lives in emergency situations,” Rep. Bobby McCool said. “This project is monumental for Johnson County, and I’d like to thank the Department for Local Government for their support for our communities.”
About the Community Development Block Grant Program
The CDBG program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.
About the Department for Local Government
Funds are administered by DLG, an arm of the Office of the Governor dedicated to supporting local officials and communities. To learn more about CDBG and other grant opportunities available through DLG, visit
dlg.ky.gov.
###
