Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara announced $1M in funding he secured for the Fire District #2 in his hometown of Rotterdam on Tuesday morning. This is the largest investment the department has ever secured to date. Rotterdam Fire District #2 has 40 active members who are all volunteers and typically respond to more than 300 calls annually. In addition to fire suppression, the fire company specializes in auto extrication and has a highly trained Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

“Volunteer firefighters, such as those serving District 2 here in Rotterdam, are invaluable members of our community who run toward danger to protect others,” said Santabarbara. “These dedicated public servants deserve facilities and equipment that allow them to perform their duties safely and comfortably. That’s why I worked to secure this important funding that will enhance and expand the resources available to the department and our Rotterdam community. As I continue to lead the State Assembly’s Commission on Rural Resources, I’m working to support our state’s first responders and meet the needs of our upstate communities.”

“The district has been working on developing this project for several years now,” said Kevin Thomas, Fire Commissioner. “The drainage for the parking lot needed upgrading and the additional parking area behind the station needed to be paved as well. There will be lighting improvements, exterior improvements to the station, and improvements to handicap accessibility. A new garage building will be built to house supplies, provide training space and allow members to decon themselves and equipment after returning from a fire call. There will also be a pavilion built on the land next to the District Offices. The district has saved monies to pay for this project without going out to bond or raising significant monies through taxes.” Commissioner Thomas added, “We are very grateful to Assemblyman Santabarbara for his assistance in getting us this grant so we could complete this project without borrowing or raising taxes.”

The funding that Santabarbara secured will be used for:

• mechanical, electrical and plumbing construction
• a new two-story wood-framed storage garage
• a new pavilion with an enclosed kitchen, restrooms, and storage and utility rooms
• a new firehouse doorway vestibule and canopies
• site parking lot and building lighting, fencing and landscaping
• reconstruction of an access road and parking lot
• stormwater drainage and management system upgrades