Funding for the project would come from a grant through the 2018/2019 Community Development Block Grant program.  

An application must be submitted by the city for funding once a project is chosen and presented. The project for the second firehouse earned unanimous approval from the council.

Finance Director Sandy Ryan reviewed different project ideas, such as water and sewer infrastructure projects as well as park projects, but ultimately determined the new fire station to be the best choice for the application.

The move comes as part of the city’s plan to extend Hanauer Street though downtown, thus putting the current fire station’s property in the middle of the planned roadway. Also, the Murray Fire Department is experiencing growing pains that require its oldest station to be significantly updated.  

According to Jon Harris, chief of Murray Fire Department, “Currently, we have a population of almost 50,000 and approximately 7,000 emergency response calls (per year).” As Murray’s population balloons during the day with workers showing up for jobs and thousands of commuters traversing I-15 and I-215, Murray Fire Department must be able to respond to emergencies with this massive daily influx of people.

The Perry department was the host agency for an approximately $690,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant that helped to net radio equipment for five other local departments, including Beach City, Brewster, Canal Fulton, Nimishillen and North Lawrence.  

Perry is in line to receive about $250,000 worth of equipment via the grant, according to Fire Chief Mark Martin.

Erie City Council Wednesday approved nearly $743,000 in funding for the purchase of a 2019 rescue pumper for engine company number 6.  

The new truck will replace a 1999 model rig.More than half the money is from a grant Erie received through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.