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Washington, D.C. --- U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., sent the following letter today to Assistant Administrator Ross Ashley, at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to express his support for the Asbury Park Fire Department's request of a $5 million grant. The grant would go towards the construction of a new fire station for the city. The current building is more than 100 years old and faces serious structural damage.
August 6, 2009
Ross Ashley, Assistant Administrator
DHS/FEMA/Grant Programs Directorate
Tech World Building – South Tower 9th Floor
800 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20472-3620
Dear Assistant Administrator Ashley,
I write today to voice my support for the Asbury Park Fire Department (APFD) in their request for a $5 million grant under the Federal Fire Administration Assistance Program. The city is seeking funds to build a new fire station to replace the current structure, which is more than 100 years old.
The Asbury Park Fire Station was built in 1899 and has faced numerous challenges over the last 50 years. In the 1960s, a fire ravaged the building and many of the charred rafters are still expected to support the building’s frame. The third floor and hose tower are no longer in use as a result of damage from the fire and other problems. In 1988 Asbury Park was notified of serious concerns regarding the firehouse; since that time five separate engineering studies have noted severe problems with the building’s structure and interior. In 2006 the firefighters were forced to evacuate due to hazardous conditions and were allowed to return under the promise of the construction of a new firehouse.
Although temporary repairs have been made in past years, multiple studies have found that future repairs would not be cost efficient. Simply put, the building is beyond repair. In addition to structural damage, the Asbury Park Fire Station faces a myriad of other problems: peeling lead paint, extreme temperature fluctuations, insufficient bathroom facilities for women, and vermin infestation. The APFD is expected to respond to three counties in the wake of a natural disaster. The firefighters, however, would face numerous difficulties responding to such an event in the face of their crumbling work base.
The construction of a new firehouse would greatly improve the working conditions of the firefighters and their ability to respond to emergencies. The new building will be constructed in accordance with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program for a Silver Certification. The new facility will include six double bays, decontamination, EMS supplies, laundry, and gear storage facilities, among other amenities. The building will be handicap accessible, contain separate changing facilities for men and women, and will focus on sustainability issues, such as water use reduction, the use of recycled materials, and waste reduction.
This grant is desperately needed. The APFD has dealt with this ongoing struggle for almost 10 years and the city cannot afford to raise taxes. Asbury Park already pays the highest tax rate in Monmouth County and unemployment is at a staggering 20 percent. The APFD has exhausted all other financial avenues and this grant is their last hope. I hope you will support the APFD in their grant request and I look forward to speaking with you in the future.
Sincerely,
FRANK PALLONE, JR.
Member of Congress
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