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It’s been a year and half since an F2 tornado ripped through Attica, destroying homes, properties, and the Indiana Township Fire station. And it’s been a year and a half that local officials have been in discussions with FEMA and state officials over funding to replace the fire station, which was originally a general store and was later remodeled to also serve as a community center.

County and Township officials received correspondence Thursday from a State of Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management Division representative that the structure did not comply with building code as a Fire Station or Community Center. Therefore, the official says, full or partial funding is in question.

Bob Mallory chairs the Indiana Township Board of Trustees. He tells KNIA/KRLS News FEMA officials are now backtracking.

“FEMA promised us a new fire station. Now they don’t want to help us for some reason,” Mallory said.

“They open the door, then they slam it in your face. I don’t know what to say as to why they’re treating us like this.”

KNIA/KRLS News contacted Iowa Homeland Security Representative Scott Maxwell for comment Thursday. Maxwell referred all questions to superiors, who were not immediately available for comment.

Marion County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Anderson said he and other county officials will continue to work with all parties involved to resolve the situation. They plan to meet Friday and again on Sunday for further discussion.

KNIA/KRLS News will bring you more information as soon as it becomes official.