FEMA gives Joplin deal on 2 fire engines

JOPLIN, Mo. -- The federal government is giving the city of Joplin a deal on two fire engines it loaned the city after the 2011 tornado.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency bought the trucks as loaners and allowed the city to use them after two of its fire stations were destroyed by the May 2011 tornado.

Fire Chief Mitch Randles said the city will pay $233,000 for the two 2010 engines. They would have cost a combined $614,000 if purchased new.

Randles said the trucks should last at least 20 years.

The Joplin Globe reported the city council also has approved construction bids on two new fire stations and ground work has begun at the sites.

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Information from: The Joplin (Mo.) Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com