COLTON -- Colton’s new fire station, located at 80 Riverside Dr., will be dedicated Saturday July 23, at 10 a.m. and will coincide with other “Colton Country Day” events.

The facility was made possible by the USDA’s Rural Development (RD) agency utilizing its Community Facilities (CF) program. The USDA provided a $2.3 million loan and a $30,000 grant to build the two story structure which includes nearly 11,000 sq. ft. for rescue and emergency vehicles, operations, a radio room, kitchenette and office space.

The project broke ground in September of 2015 and was completed in July of this year.

Colton Fire District Chairman James Cayey says everyone is welcome to join the dedication ceremony and take a tour of the new facility.

The new station is a considerable update from Colton’s previous station – built in the 1950’s -- the building could no longer accommodate the vehicles; the bay doors were too short or too narrow; there was no ventilation system in the truck bays; limited operating space presented challenges to the volunteers and crew; there was little to no energy efficiency to speak of and it wasn’t handicap accessible.

“I have to be honest with you, when Rene Hotte from the U.S. Department of Agriculture met with us and told us they could help us build a new fire station, I did a double take,” Cayey said. “Just how was the USDA involved with assisting first responders?’ I asked. Well, they certainly showed me – and I am glad they were there to partner with us to help safeguard our community.”

"USDA is committed to revitalizing rural communities and bringing quality facilities such as Colton’s Volunteer fire station to small towns and cities throughout rural NY.” Area Director Brian Murray said. “In the last 10 years, we have helped make more than 150 similar projects possible, investing more than $50 million in communities just like Colton.”