Legislation sponsored by Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, and Rep. Dan Griffey, R-Allyn, would provide a new grant funding source for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet the fire safety needs of their communities.
House Bill 1929 would establish a competitive grant program under the state Department of Commerce to award funding of up to $2 million to local governments in rural counties for capital projects that would improve fire protection services.
“As our local communities grow in population, it also puts more of a strain on local services, including our fire departments. Fire departments across the state are still working out of very old, outdated stations. Other fire stations are feeling the pressure from economic development and growth.