By BRAD GASKINS/Staff Writer

The Shelby County Department of Development Services is accepting proposals from local entities interested in collaborating with the county in constructing and operating a fire museum.

Local municipalities, chambers, economic development organizations and higher education partners have until Feb. 1 to submit their proposals.

The county has made an agreement with an individual collector of fire apparatus and other fire-related materials to be displayed in the county, according to development services.

The museum could be the largest single collection of historic fire apparatus in the southeast, according to development services.

The master plan anticipates a building of about 40,000 square feet. Construction will be done in phases with an initial space requirement of 15,000 to 20,000 square feet.

A minimum of four acres of developable land is required from submitting entities.

The county will directly assist in construction through county lodging tax revenues.