Big Rapids Township is looking to expand its firehouse. Last week, the township Board of Trustees approved nearly $250,000 for the project. Township Supervisor Bill Stanek says the expansion is needed.

“This building is 30 years old. It was designed for a lot smaller township and our township in the last 30 years has continued to grow.”

Stanek notes that working in cramped quarters is hard on fire fighting personnel and on equipment.

“We have equipment sitting outside all winter long, we have vehicles that we can't get inside the building.”

Having had experience in the construction industry, Stanek has also offered to act as general contractor on the project saving the Township that expense. The project has to approved by the Planning Commission after which there will be a public hearing. Stanek says if all goes well he expects construction to begin late summer or fall.