West Mineral Fire Station

Commerce approves new fire station for West Mineral

The City of West Mineral will soon construct a new fire station, thanks to a $298,528 grant from the Kansas Department of Commerce KAN STEP program. Located at 15 miles southwest of Pittsburg in Cherokee County in extreme southeastern Kansas, West Mineral is a small town with a strong sense of community and civic involvement.

The local fire department determined that there is a need for a modern fire station building to house the fire trucks and equipment and a storm shelter for the public's use during severe weather. The 6,000 sq. ft. fire station will also include a meeting/training room, kitchenette, office and restrooms.

West Mineral will contribute $247,464 in volunteer labor and equipment to the project. The facility has a retail cost estimate of $545,992. The two sparkplugs for West Mineral are Randy Johnson and Jim Row. The project was designed by Richard Zingre' of Zingre' and Associates, PA, Fort Scott, KS. Grant administration will be by Sandy Erbe of the Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission. Inspection services and assistance will be provided by the Kansas Rural Water Association.