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

The Nemaha County Commission Tuesday held a public hearing on plans by Rural Fire District #4 to seek a KAN-STEP grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce for the second time.

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 say they have downsized their plans to a 3-bay fire station.  The building is to include a meeting/training room, storage room, bathroom and kitchen.

The maximum grant the fire district could be awarded is $300,000.  The grant must be matched with volunteer labor.  

If awarded, plans are to demolish the old quonset currently being used as a fire station and construct the new building on the existing lots owned by the fire district.

Commissioners told fire district officials they would send a letter of recommendation with their application when its ready to be submitted.