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Zion authorizes purchase of rescue vessel after $500,000 state appropriation
Summary
Council authorized purchase of a 9.5‑meter Oceancraft rescue vessel (quote ~ $472,000) using a $500,000 state appropriation announced by State Representative Joyce Mason, waiving competitive bidding to expedite deployment for lake rescues.
The Zion City Council authorized staff to purchase a 9.5‑meter search and rescue vessel and associated equipment after staff said a $500,000 appropriation for Lake Michigan emergency response and training was included in the Illinois FY27 budget.
Director Bronson told council Representative Joyce Mason confirmed the appropriation and that the city may proceed with equipment purchases pending state reimbursement. Staff recommended waiving competitive bidding and designating Oceancraft Marine (Annapolis, Maryland) as the sole source vendor; a price quote provided to council was approximately $472,000. The vessel would be modified with a fire‑suppression pump and configured for dive and rescue operations and could be placed into service during the current summer season.
Public safety officials said the additional craft would enhance regional response along the Lake Michigan shoreline; Chief Street noted an uptick in rescue needs in the previous three years and tied that to increased visitation and shoreline changes. Council approved the purchase and sole‑source designation by roll call (5–0). Staff said they will pursue state reimbursement once procurement is complete.
