Roanoke Rapids City Council Tuesday approved a capital project ordinance which allows for the purchase of a new fire truck through a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters grant.

The grant award is $476,190 and the city’s match is $158,947.

The city will draw the money from its fund balance and pay for the truck upfront because it will get a discount, City Manager Kelly Traynham said. “Typically, with this kind of grant you pay up front and get reimbursed.”

The city will then draw down from the grant funds on a schedule that’s part of the grant agreement to replenish the fund balance with the exception of its match.

Fire Chief Jason Patrick told the council that paying for the truck up front will save the city money because a price increase is expected within the next two to three weeks.

Delivery of the truck through the Federal Emergency Agency grant is expected to take 16 months, Patrick said – the same amount of time it will take the fire department to receive one it is getting through American Rescue Plan Act funding.

The truck coming through the FEMA grant will be one to replace engine 142, a 1991 model which is rife with problems. 

The truck is in need of an engine rebuild, has a rusted pump, electrical issues, no air conditioning and is not up to current National Fire Protection Association safety standards, city fire officials have said.

The truck which has been ordered through ARPA funds is a 2024 E-One Typhoon pumper and will replace engine 141. The truck the department will get through the FEMA grant will be similar.

“The staff worked hard,” Patrick said of putting information for the grant together. “We are constantly looking for grants.”