(KMZA)--A state grant is being sought again for the construction of a new fire station in the Nemaha County community of Bern. 

The Nemaha County Commission Monday approved an application on behalf of Fire District #4 for a nearly $240,000 KAN-STEP grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The fire district will provide a nearly $129,000 match in the form of volunteer labor.  

The grant application will be submitted Wednesday and grant writer Garrett Nordstorm says he expects to hear back within 30 days whether the grant application is accepted or not.

The first application was denied last September, with the Department of Commerce saying they deemed the proposed six-bay fire station to be in excess of the size needed to adequately serve the community.

Fire district officials downsized their plans to a 3-bay fire station. The building will also include a meeting/training room, storage room, bathroom and kitchen.

If awarded, the old quonset currently being used as a fire station will be demolished and a new building constructed on the existing lots owned by the fire district.