JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – As the Jamestown Rural Fire Department (JRFD) has continued to grow, the need for space has also become apparent.

The Jamestown Rural Fire Department consists of 28 volunteers that serves rural Jamestown and the 22 surrounding townships. The JRFD has been in their current location at 205 3rd Avenue Northwest since 1964, with several additions built on. In the 30 years since their last addition, a lot has changed.

JRFD Treasurer/Secretary Travis Lemieux says other issues such as proximity to the railway, being landlocked with no room for more growth and lack of parking for firefighters has led them to begin a search for a new location.

Lemieux says the new location they have found will have 3.45 acres of property that will allow for any future expansion or potential growth for years to come. The new building will be at 1209 9th Street SE.

Bob Lulay is the Director of the Bloom Township for the Jamestown Rural Fire District. He says the new location meets and exceeds all of the committees criteria for a new station.

Lulay stated that the cost of the building and remodeling will cost around $2.8 million, but will be funded by a USDA Loan from Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program.

The department and district have planned two open houses this month for county residents to come find out more about the planned move to a new facility and ask questions. The second of two open houses is planned for Tuesday, May 22nd.

Lemieux encourages everyone to come view the facility and see themselves why there’s a need for the new facility.

Lulay pointed out that with support, this project is very doable.

The final open house will be May 22nd from 6 PM to 8 PM with a presentation at 7 PM.

Listen to a full interview with Travis Lemieux and Bob Lulay below: