Naples Fire District

It seems South Boundary Fire Protection District is a contender for receiving federal stimulus money to build a third fire station.

Fire chief Tony Rohrwasser a few weeks ago applied for funding to complete the station at a cost of $260,819 on Highland Flats Road.

Last week, Rohrwasser said he was asked to submit the names of contractors who bid on the project, construction costs, time-frame for building and engineered drawings for the station.

“In the past from doing these grants, it usually means we’re right on the top of the list,” he said.

The developer of a 42-lot Meadows at Fall Creek subdivision on Highland Flats Road had promised to build a nearby station for the fire department. Low sales of the 5- to 7-acres lots resulted in the developer giving the land to the department without completing the new station.

Rohrwasser learned there was federal stimulus money for building fire stations in progress. South Boundary has had drawings for the station available since early 2006. The slab and utilities have been installed.

He understands $210 million is available in funding.

“This being a new grant, it’s really hard to know how it works,” Rohrwasser said. “I do a lot of reviews and do a lot of work with grants.”