Several area fire departments are about to get some much-needed funding. The money will help improve the facilities. Monday Congressman Mike McIntyre announced that several area fire departments, including Shallotte's facility, will be receiving funding from the US Department of Agriculture. Nearly half a million dollars in federal funds will be loaned to the Shallotte station alone. Fire Chief Paul Dunwell says the money will help to build a new $1.1 million facility, which will improve services to the area. Chief Dunwell said, "This is the first of several stations that will have to meet the future demands of the town." Chief Dunwell says the demands are becoming so great the department is averaging more than 100 calls a month. Construction on the new facility is slated to begin within the next 30 days. Firefighters expect to move into the new building by next year.