Power Authority Contributes 30,000 for New Grand Gorge Fire Station
Contact Steve Ramsey (518) 827-6121 steve.ramsey@nypa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2001
NORTH BLENHEIM—The fund drive for a new firehouse for the Grand Gorge Fire District got a big boost Tuesday when the New York Power Authority presented a $30,000 check for the project.
Joseph J. Seymour, chairman and chief executive officer of the Power Authority, presented the check to Fire Commissioner Patricia Davis at a ceremony at the Power Authority's Bleinheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project visitors center.
"We know how important the emergency services are—not only to our facilities, but to our staff members, their families and neighbors—so we're very happy to be able to help build this new facility," said Seymour. "Modern, up-to-date emergency facilities help us meet Governor Pataki's goal of assuring that New York State is the best place to live and to work."
Commissioner Davis, who also spearheads the fire district's fund-raising campaign, said, "We're very grateful to the New York Power Authority for its generous donation towards our proposed firehouse-community center building project. It is with the support of our neighbors, community and organizations such as the Power Authority that our vision will become reality and we will be better able to serve and protect our community."
The new building—which will also serve as a community center—will be located at the corner of Route 30 and Depot Street, across the street from the current structure, which dates back to 1936. With a cost expected to reach $650,000 the district is planning a three-bay garage structure with an adjoining meeting, education and training room with provisions for storage, a kitchen and offices. The district hopes to begin construction later this year with completion scheduled for late 2002.
The Grand Gorge Fire District provides fire protection and emergency services to Grand Gorge and surrounding communities, including the Blenheim-Gilboa Project.
State Senator James Seward, said "the Power Authority has a big impact on this end of Schoharie County and I think today's presentation is a good example of what a good neighbor NYPA is to the community."
Assemblyman John Faso, said, "Thanks to the dedication and bravery of the Grand Gorge Fire District, Schoharie County is a safer place to live and work. The New York Power Authority’s generous donation is a great help to the district efforts to improve their facilities and expand the important services they provide to the local community."
The Grand Gorge Fire District was formed in August 1897 and currently has 65 firefighters and seven rescue squad members. Department members are on call around the clock every day of the year.
