Bids are expected to be awarded Monday, June 9, for the demolition of three houses in Lehighton, making way for construction of the expansion of the Lehighton Fire Department.

Three bids reportedly were received and opened this week.Engineers and borough officials will review the bids before recommendations are made to borough bouncil.The houses being demolished are located between the Lehigh Fire Company No. 1 building and the Engine Company No. 2 (Station 2) building on South Third Street.The project includes construction of more bays and facilities, which will connect the two fire company buildings.The construction project will cost an estimated $3.75 million. A matching $1.75 million grant was received, with the borough agreeing to borrow the amount needed to supplement it from the borough's capital reserve fund.The money from the reserve fund will be repaid through a two-mill fire protection tax increase that was levied this year.The addition to the structure will not only provide new apparatus bays but will include many areas for training.It was pointed out that presently the fire department has 55 members, and just one bathroom.Conceptual plans have been drawn up for the station.