Seward Unveils Senate Grant For Danby F.d. Building Project

The Danby Fire Department is in line for a $15,000 senate grant for its construction project, Senator James L. Seward said. Seward announced the award at the fire department's fundraising dinner at the Holiday Inn in Ithaca on Saturday, April 12, where he met with the department's officers, supporters, residents, and constituents.

"It's about reducing pressure on local finances and making sure our first responders have what they need to save lives and property in a growing town," Seward said. "The department has outgrown its facilities, and in order to accommodate today's vehicles and to prepare and train effectively, members are looking ahead and working on an expansion of the facility. The state funding will help."

Seward is chairman of the Senate Task Force on Volunteer Emergency Services. After September 11, 2001, Seward was named chairman of a special senate panel on state and local emergency preparedness, which developed a series of policy and financial recommendations for the state to help first responders prepare for local disasters. As chairman, Seward won a constant funding stream for local emergency communications from the state's surcharge on 911 wireless (cell) calls.

The addition will expand the current fire hall on Route 96 in Danby, in part to accommodate residential growth.

The $15,000 is included in the 2008-09 state budget. It will be administered by the department of state.