Although nothing is guaranteed yet, if lawmakers approve a supplemental funding request, the New Bedford community could have some short-term relief about the future of Station 9.

 

For months, firefighters assigned to Station 9 have awaited answers on what’s in store for the firehouse and their jobs. Nearly 13,000 residents and several nearby schools who rely on those crews are also eager to know.

 

Earlier this year, Mayor Jon Mitchell outlined a proposed budget aiming to close a $32 million deficit, which included the closure of Station 9.

 

The Ashley Boulevard station is currently operating on $500,000 in state funding secured by state Sen. Mark Montigny. But that money is expected to last through October or November at the very latest.

 

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey agreed to include a $1.3 million line item for the New Bedford Fire Department in a supplemental appropriations bill submitted to the legislature. This would carry Station 9 through the rest of the fiscal year.

 

During a press conference and visit to the station on Monday, Healey said it was important to find funds to keep it open. She also stressed a focus on finding long-term funding solutions for stations in similar situations.

 

“As we continue to see revenues come in, we’re going to continue to see them baked into the public safety grants that we give out,” Healey said. “So I will expect that this is going to be funded, for years going forward.”

 

If approved, it’s unclear when state leaders could take action or how soon the funds would reach the city.

 

Bill Sylvia, president of the New Bedford Firefighters Association Local 841, says he’s hopeful the funding will move forward.

 

“Public safety is something that should not be funded or looked at as just a line in a budget,” Sylvia said. “There are serious consequences.”

 

Meanwhile, Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue says the proposal doesn’t address the bigger issue.

 

“Mayor Jon Mitchell has rightly pointed to rising healthcare and pension costs as serious pressures on New Bedford’s budget. But a one-time rescue for one fire station is a Band-Aid,” Minogue said in a statement. “Next fiscal year, Station 9 will be right back in the same spot, because the real problem is that Beacon Hill has steadily cut local aid and left cities and towns to choose between public safety and balanced budgets.”

 

While Mayor Jon Mitchell was not in attendance at Monday’s event, a city spokesperson told 12 News he “regrets his schedule did not allow him to join” and welcomes the direct state assistance.

 

“It provides our Administration, the City Council, and local public employee unions the opportunity to address the underlying challenges of unrestrained pension and health insurance spending, which together are putting tremendous pressure on the City budget,” the spokesperson said.

 

See more at wpri.com.