State Sen. Peter Oberacker secured the discretionary funding toward a new consolidated firehouse and emergency shelter on South Main Street, as the district reports a recent surge in volunteer recruitment above its enrollment goals

By Skyler Gluck
Daily Freeman

ELLENVILLE, N.Y. — The Ellenville Fire District received $55,000 in state funding for a new fire house and emergency shelter facility, District Fire Commissioner Paul Tuzzolino said Friday.

State Sen. Peter Oberacker (R- Schenevus ) secured the discretionary funding from state coffers, presenting a ceremonial check to the fire department on Oct. 27 , according to the commissioner.

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With the money, Tuzzolino said the department hopes to construct a new firehouse at 203 South Main Street in the village, which he said would consolidate the department under one roof and replace outdated and undersized facilities. Tuzzolio added that the new firehouse would be owned by the district, rather than rented on a lease.

The state money will go towards offsetting construction costs, Tuzzolino said. All money allocation is subject to state grant administration requirements. Bids are still sealed, and while the sticker price for the project is expected to be far beyond $55,000, the exact numbers are not yet available, according to officials.

Officials thanked Oberacker for supporting volunteer fire departments and for “helping bring state dollars back to Ellenville for a project that will serve residents as both a firehouse and an emergency shelter.”

At a time when many volunteer fire departments are struggling to keep up with recruitment and rising equipment costs, District Chief Patrick Wordinski said Ellenville has managed to secure a batch of fresh volunteers, putting the district above their enrollment goals for the first time in years.

Wordinski said those volunteers were crucial in responding to a Thursday house fire.

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