BIGGERSVILLE — The Biggersville Volunteer Fire Department is set to receive almost half a million dollars in grant funding for construction of a second fire station through the federal stimulus program.

U.S. Congressman Travis Childers announced the approval of the $469,173 grant through the Fire Station Construction Grant Program of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The fire department plans to use to use the funding to construct a new three-bay fire station on the north side of its district with the goal of decreasing response time and lowering fire insurance rates for residents of the district.

Biggersville Fire Chief Patrick Claunch told The Daily Corinthian they are thrilled to receive the funding.

The Biggersville fire department includes 29 members who serve a 34 square-mile area.