ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) — The Ithaca Fire Department will replace its aging vessel on Cayuga Lake with a new fire rescue boat.

Senator Lea Webb says IFD is receiving $250,000 in state funding toward that purchase.

Deputy Chief Mike Moody tells WHCU the new boat would allow IFD to continue responding to emergencies and calls on Cayuga Lake.

The new boat can rescue up to eight people at the same time and will have a fire pump. Moody says IFD’s current boat is in bad shape, adding the remaining balance of its replacement requires a Common Council vote.