The Chautauqua County Commission has given its approval toward more fire district funding.

Chautauqua Rural Fire District #1, located in Cedar Vale, notified the commission of its desire to apply for a grant opportunity provided by the SEK Economic Development District. District representative Steven Dale said a recent donation got the ball rolling toward this route.

The county would put its name on the grant, with the funds managed by the county clerk instead of the fire board. The district must come up with 25% of the grant money. Commissioners Parker Massey, Rodney Shaw, and David Deal all expressed approval toward allowing the district to move forward.