Grant Will Help Fund New Lincoln VFD Station

From left to right: Senator Stephen Meredith, Representative Michael Meredith, Lincoln Fire Chief Steve Sanders, Judge Executive Wil Cannon, Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo, District 5 Magistrate Johnny Brooks, , District 2 Magistrate Mark Meeks. Submitted photo.

Edmonson Voice Staff Report:
The Department for Local Government (DLG) announced a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation for the Edmonson County Fiscal Court to fund the construction of a new 2,725-square-foot fire station in the Lincoln community.

The CDBG program, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides assistance to communities for use in revitalizing neighborhoods, expanding affordable housing and economic opportunities, providing infrastructure and/or improving community facilities and services.

​“We are excited today to announce $500,000 in CDBG grant funding for Edmonson County,” said Gov. Matt Bevin in a written statement. “Our Department for Local Government works closely with local officials to address priority projects that will most positively impact their communities. This significant investment is based on those discussions and will enable vital emergency services facility improvements to be made.”

The LVFD currently has a staff of 20 volunteer fire fighters. According to a press release, the department feels they are comfortably staffed to handle emergency calls, however with the addition of a new substation they can decrease their poor ISO rating and save insurance money for operations. In addition, by lowering the ISO rating and insurance payments, the LVFD can reduce insurance rates for local residents in the district as well.

The addition of a new substation for the LVFD will allow resources to be housed at a separate station which will alleviate congestion at the current center and serve residents of the area that were previously not adequately served.

​“Public safety is a critical issue for our communities, and projects like this are a top priority for my department,” said DLG Commissioner Sandra Dunahoo. “The construction of a new fire station will improve the effectiveness of our first-responders and help them continue to deliver quality services to the citizens of Edmonson County. Additionally, the LVFD will be able to reduce their response times and lower insurance rates in the community.“