Appropriations Requests for

• Cosponsoring legislators' names (if applicable):
• Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:
  Address - 241 West South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 • Location – City of Kalamazoo
• The recipient's employer identification number:
  386004627
• Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:
  $1,900,000.00
• What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?
  For a new fire truck replacing a 2010 aerial apparatus. Investment In the Community and Safety The purchase of a new fire truck is a vital investment in the City of Kalamazoo’s core public safety infrastructure and a responsible use of taxpayer funds. The requested aerial apparatus is essential for protecting the Kalamazoo Downtown Business District and its high-rise buildings. The current unit, slated for replacement, serves as the primary response vehicle for this high-density area of Kalamazoo. Fire suppression, rescue, and emergency response are fundamental governmental responsibilities that safeguard life, property, and community stability—services that cannot be effectively or equitably provided by the private market. This investment upholds the City’s obligation to deliver timely, reliable emergency services to all residents. An adequately equipped fire department ensures rapid response to structure and vehicle fires, medical emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and severe weather events. Quick response times are critical to life safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and those with limited mobility. Without sufficient fire apparatus, the risk of injury, loss of life, and extensive property damage increases dramatically, endangering both individual households and entire neighborhoods. This investment directly advances the public interest by ensuring the City of Kalamazoo can meet its obligation to provide timely and effective emergency services to all residents. Modernization of Equipment and Technology In addition to safety, a modern fire truck protects public and private property and supports long-term economic stability. This request funds a new aerial apparatus to replace the ageing 2010 model. At sixteen years old, the current truck is outdated and poses safety risks, lacking the advanced technology found in modern firefighting equipment. Since 2010, aerial fire apparatus’ have seen significant technological advancements focused on safety, automation, and enhanced structural capabilities. Key innovations include: • Electronic Envelope Control: Systems that prevent the aerial device from operating outside safe limits, including monitoring weight, angle, and extension to prevent tipping. • Smart Aerial Controls: Integrated systems that use a single joystick to control all ladder functions, featuring "soft touch" controls to eliminate jerky movements and "auto-bedding" for fast, safe storage. • Short-Jacking Capabilities: Advanced sensors and software that allow safe operation of the aerial device even when outriggers cannot be fully extended, adjusting load capacities based on the available footprint. • Laser Pointer Spotting: Dual laser pointers at the tip of the ladder or platform to indicate exactly where the aerial is heading, improving operator precision. • Self-Leveling Platforms: Platforms that maintain a level position automatically, regardless of the angle of the aerial ladder, acting like a Ferris wheel for safer, more comfortable operation. Updating and modernizing the City of Kalamazoo’s capacity to respond to emergencies benefits every resident in their potential moment of crisis. Financial Benefits Publicly funded fire protection produces measurable financial benefits for taxpayers through reduced insurance costs. Fire apparatus and overall fire response capacity are key factors in a community’s insurance protection rating, which directly influences residential and commercial insurance premiums. Investments in fire equipment generate ongoing savings for households and businesses, extending the value of public dollars well beyond the initial purchase. From a fiscal perspective, the proposed fire truck is a cost-effective investment with a long life, serving thousands of residents and supporting emergency functions over its lifespan. When amortized across years and the population protected, the per-capita cost is low relative to the substantial risks mitigated. In summary, the requested funding will support the acquisition of essential public safety infrastructure that saves lives, protects property, lowers long-term costs for residents, strengthens community resilience, and ensures equitable emergency response. The purchase of a fire truck is a prudent, defensible, and necessary use of taxpayer funds that delivers enduring public benefit and aligns with responsible stewardship of public resources.
• Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?
• If so, how?
• Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:
  • The project will begin upon receipt of funding. There is an 18-month production time for firetrucks. As such, we anticipate placing the firetruck in service of the city residents in 2028.
• Has the nonprofit corporation continuously operated in this state for the preceding 36 months?
  No
• Has the nonprofit corporation had a physical office in this state for not less than the preceding 12 consecutive months?
  No
• Does the nonprofit corporation have a board of directors?
  No
• List all of the officers and active members on the board of directors:

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator