LIVERMORE — Fire Chief Donald Castonguay told those at a public hearing Tuesday night that a $42,000 grant the department is seeking would pay for a ventilation system and energy-saving lighting for the fire station.

The hearing, which was held before the selectmen meeting, included updates on several other fire department grants.

The discussion was also part of the selectmen meeting.

If the town approves the $42,000 USDA Rural Development grant, it would have to provide a 25 percent match of $10,500, Castonguay said.

The ventilation system would improve the air quality in the fire station, he said.

The money wasn’t budgeted for this year and would have to be added to the next budget cycle for voter approval. Voters approved a $5,000 for grant matching this year that could be used, he said.

Selectperson Timothy Kachnovich asked if the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration would require the vent system in the future.

Castonguay said stations with live-in firemen need it now and it could become mandatory.

“This is the third cycle of applying for this equipment. We looked at cheaper systems but this one works the best,” Castonguay said.

A second grant sought through Emergency Management is for a generator for the fire station/town office complex, which is a warming center during emergencies. A generator big enough to handle the whole building is needed. There is no match required for this grant, he said.

Castonguay also told the board that an application for a grant for a new truck was rejected.

Administrative Assistant Amy Byron said the grant would be fine-tuned and resubmitted.

“It’s worth a try,” Castonguay said.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net