Downs Fire Station

The City of Downs, located in Osborne County in north-central Kansas, has been awarded a KAN STEP grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce to construct a new fire station. Construction began September 13, 2004.

Down's project has an estimated retail value of $343,632. The city will receive a KAN STEP grant not to exceed $206,179. Local volunteers will contribute a total of $137,453 in labor services. KAN STEP is an acronym Kansas Small Town Environment Program. KAN STEP has successfully used "sweat equity" to help communities reduce costs of water systems, community centers and fire stations. The program in Kansas is the only one in the U.S. that is constructing buildings.

Project representatives at Downs are Steve Hake. Grant administration will be provided by Michell Kippes of Northwest Kansas Planning and Development. Don Marrs of DMA Architects, Salina, is the architect for the project. Kansas Rural Water Association will provide inspection services and technical assistance.

Downs's new fire station will have 7,752 square feet of floor space. The 128' x 60' building will include four drive truck bays, which will include a wash bay with curtain, two EMS truck bays, a meeting room, office area, restrooms with showers, kitchen, supply room and mechanical room. The fire station will be an insulated steel building. Parking will be available at the north, east and west of the building.

The volunteers are very excited to begin work on their new fire station. The goal is to have the project enclosed before winter.