Durant City Council approved a pair of measures aimed to improve citizen safety, during a brief special meeting on Friday.

A resolution and agreement with Oklahoma Department of Transportation were approved which will start the process to build a southbound off-ramp on US 69/75 at University Boulevard.

Durant Industrial Authority has pledged $515,000 toward this project funded jointly by the city and state.

“It’s a project that’s been in the works for a number of years,” said Mayor Jerry Tomlinson. “We’re about to realize the efforts of all those before us.”

The council also gave the green light to Durant Fire Department to pursue a two-year grant from FEMA which would allow the department to hire three firefighters. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response, or SAFER grant, could help drop the city’s ISO rating and property insurance rates.

“It would allow us to run a four-man engine company from the central station,” said DFD Chief Roger Joines. “It’s better manpower for rescues and structure fires.”

Durant City Utilities Authority also met in special session on Friday, approving a 45-year contract with Bryan County Rural Water and Sewer District No. 5 to provide water to the district south of the city. In turn, the long-term contract will help the water district secure a loan to upgrade their water lines.