Funding needed for new fire station in north Iowa

(ABC 6 News) – Groundbreaking for a new fire station in Protivin, Iowa is planned for this spring, but there is still more funding needed to complete the project.

The community has grown out of its current station which covers Howard, Chickasaw, and Winneshiek county and was built in 1968.

They currently have over half a million dollars committed to the project but are looking to raise another 200-thousand dollars to complete the project.

Since October they have been busy writing grants, visiting with businesses, holding fundraising events, and communicating with citizens in the fire district asking for support.

In January, they were awarded a grant from First Citizens Charitable Foundation, as well as the Farmers Mill matching gift.

"The community has been great like I said all the entities in our fire district are on board we’ve gotten a lot of donations so far we just need that little bit of extra to get us to where we need to be," said Lt. Eric Shimek.

The new station in Protivin will have five bays and will be about 2-and-a-half times the previous station.

They are hoping to have the project done by the end of October this year

If you are interested in learning more or donating, click here.