Bowmanstown recently approved a cooperation agreement between the borough and the Bowmanstown Fire Company.

The Department of Conservation and Economic Development required the agreement between the borough and the fire company.

The fire company had submitted a grant in April; however, DCED required a cooperation agreement to the already submitted grant.

In July, council announced that Local Share Account funds were not approved for a new fire station.

The borough received a letter in June from the Commonwealth Financing Authority on its request for financial assistance under the LSA program.

In March, council on a 5-0 vote granted the fire company permission to apply for the LSA Grant through the borough.

Council also requested a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Budget Program grant application for the replacement of the fire company.

In February, council tabled applying for consultant fees under the historical grant for Bowmanstown Borough Hall.

Council had previously authorized borough treasurer/assistant secretary Tara Takerer to apply for consultant fees under the historical grant.

However, a quote came in at $16,200. The borough would have to pay over $8,000 to have it completed since the grant is a 50/50 match.

In September, council applied for a grant to have its borough building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Councilwoman Kara Scott said listing on the national registry would allow the borough more access to grant money.

The borough hall building is a converted school building that was built in 1903.

Council also voted to pursue listing borough hall on the National Register of Historic Places.

Councilman Rob Moyer said the borough hall building is lacking because it’s an older building.

Scott said she was concerned about the playgrounds and basketball courts, which she said get a lot of use. She said, “This building is almost iconic.”

Project Engineer Eric Snyder, who is assisting in the grant application writing, said the goal is to get two separate grants; an LSA grant for 50%, and a RAC-P grant for 50%.

The plan calls for the new station to be above the picnic grove on Lime Street.

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

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

Fire Chief Michael Spairana Jr. has said the fire company would not go forward with a new fire station unless it receives 100% funding.