Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company must wait a little longer to see if it can apply for a grant to build a new fire station.

Several members of the fire company met with borough council at a special public workshop meeting on Monday to discuss the grant request.

Project Engineer Eric Snyder, who is assisting in the grant application writing, was on hand due to filing application deadlines for a Local Share Assessment fund grant.

Earlier this month, the fire company requested council’s approval to apply for an LSA grant to build a new fire station with the possibility of an attached social hall.

The proposed plan would be for the new station to be located above the picnic grove on Lime Street.

The existing fire station would be torn down and made into a parking lot.

Keystone Construction would be completing the work, led by Snyder.

The estimated cost of the project is between $1.5 million and $1.6 million, and wouldn’t reach completion for about three to five years.

Snyder told council the plan is to build one large fire station, and to apply for an LSA grant to fund the entire project.

“We’re looking for 100% funding,” Snyder said. “No money out of pocket.”

In the event they don’t get the first round of LSA funding, Snyder said the plan would be to apply for a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant.

Borough fire Chief Michael Spairana echoed Snyder’s thoughts.

“Our intent of this whole thing is not to borrow any money,” Spairana said. “We’re not going to put ourselves in debt.”

Spairana said all the fire company is after is for council’s permission to apply for the LSA grant.

Councilman Rob Moyer said several residents have asked him why the borough needs a new fire company.

Spairana said the fire company doesn’t have enough storage room.

Mayor Zach Snyder said his concern is that the borough also relies on LSA funding for its road projects.

“I want the fire company in town,” Snyder said. “My concern is looking way out.”

Snyder said the next step would be to get an estimate together.

Spairana reiterated that the fire company would not go forward with a new fire station unless it receives 100% funding.

Regardless of how things turn out, Snyder thanked the fire company for approaching council with the concept.

“However it pans out, I appreciate you thinking outside of the box,” Snyder said.

Council is expected to vote on the fire company’s request to apply for an LSA grant when it meets at 7 p.m. Oct. 6.