Rawlins County Fire Station

A $155,432 KAN STEP grant has been awarded to Rawlins County in extreme northwestern Kansas to construct a new fire station in McDonald. The fire station, which will be owned by Rawlins County, has an estimated market value of $250,743.

The new fire station will have three truck bays, which will open to one large building. The new facility will be attached to their existing fire station (truck bay) by a breezeway. The old fire station will also be insulated. Existing bathrooms will be remodeled and new windows installed.

KAN STEP is an acronym for Kansas Small Town Environment Program that is funded through the Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing. KAN STEP has successfully used "sweat equity" to help communities reduce costs of water system improvements and now, fire stations and community centers.

The Project Representative at McDonald is Bruce Nickel. Donnie Marrs of DMA Architects, Salina, is architect. The Grant Administrator is Michele Kippes with Northwest Kansas Panning and Development. Kansas Rural Water Association provides Inspection Services and Assistance to the KAN STEP Program.