VIDEO: The Cumberland Trail Fire District needs to make upgrades to its building and is having a difficult time doing so without ownership.
"It would enable us to apply for some grants to make some modifications and upgrades to the facility without going through the city, or in the event that we need a low-interest loan," Fire Chief Tim Hall said. Hall says the district doesn't qualify for many grants and loans to make critical infrastructure improvements, as the city of St. Clairsville has the title.
The fire station used to connect to the city building before moving to its current location.
"When the fire district was formed in 1989, the city retained ownership of the building, and for whatever reason I can't speak of, the building always remained in the ownership of the city," Hall said.
The pandemic has emphasized the need for building upgrades.
All firefighters share a bunk room, and social distancing is a challenge.