“We had a lot of support from the offices of Senator Gary Peters and Senator Elissa Slotkin, which we greatly appreciate,” EPSD Director Darren Smith said after learning of the funding.

The $700,000 will cover a sizeable amount of the estimated $2 million cost for the new truck, Smith said, adding the department will start a campaign to begin raising the rest of the funds.

“We put in for this (funding) a long time ago,” Smith said. “Under Director (John) Gudwer we put in for it. And just now, it came back.”

EPSD received their current aerial ladder truck in 1991 through a grant after it was used and decommissioned by the military. The department upgraded it and continues to put money into maintenance.

Escanaba Public Safety Department will begin fundraising for a new aerial ladder fire truck after being approved in a recent federal bill to receive $700,000. (Courtesy photo from EPSD)

While the recommended service life of a first-line aerial ladder truck is about 15 years, according to the National Fire Protection Association and Smith, EPSD’s truck has been used for well over 34 years. The department’s truck continues to pass inspections.

The truck the department now uses will have to keep in shape for another few years, as the process of ordering a new aerial ladder fire truck is lengthy.

“The turnaround and lead time to get a truck, if we ordered one today, it could be up to five years before we actually see it,” Smith said.

Peters, a member of the Appropriations Committee, secured the federal funding in bipartisan legislation recently signed into law; The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The bill targets local projects that will strengthen public safety. Other communities receiving funding include Alpena, Big Creek Township, Grand Traverse County and Ontonagon.

The $169,000 to Ontonagon will be used for a new plow truck for its streets for residents and visitors to the nearby Porcupine Mountains State Park, 33303 Headquarters Road.

“I was proud to fight for these important investments that will help our rural communities invest in the equipment needed to keep Michiganders safe and protected,” Peters said in a news release. “I’ll keep working in a bipartisan way to support local projects that strengthen our communities.”