During the May 28, 2026 Erie County Fire Advisory Board meeting, staff reported that a capital project request was submitted to the county last year for upgrades and expansion to the training academy. A walkthrough and needs assessment is scheduled for June 12 to further define the scope, with the intention of submitting another capital project request and seeking approval. This indicates that Erie County is at the planning stage for potentially significant facilities improvements, such as building expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and training enhancements.Vendors providing design, construction, training props, burn buildings, simulation environments, and related project management services could engage now to help shape the needs assessment and future proposal. Conversations should focus on how to modernize training facilities, meet NFPA and NYS standards, and maximize grant or capital funding impact.

They previously submitted a capital project request that was not yet approved; this is a renewed effort with a formal needs assessment step.