Radio Report: Rep. Abbarno proposal could provide state funding lifeline to rural fire districts for safety upgrades

December 26, 2022

Legislation is being proposed in the state House to create a competitive grant program for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet the fire safety needs of their communities. John Sattgast reports from the state Capitol.

SATTGAST: Many rural fire departments across Washington state are working out of old, outdated stations. Centralia Representative Peter Abbarno says that's a major safety issue.

ABBARNO: “People go to fire stations for protection and safety. And in rural areas, if we are not adequately providing facilities for them to carry out their jobs, then it's just a danger to all of us.”

SATTGAST: With local money tight, Abbarno has prefiled legislation that would essentially throw rural fire districts a state lifeline of up to two-million-dollars to improve rural fire protection services.

ABBARNO: “It creates a new grant funding source, a competitive grant, and it will give our rural fire districts an opportunity to really protect us.”

SATTGAST: House Bill 1014 will be officially introduced when the Legislature convenes in Olympia January 9th.

John Sattgast, the state Capitol.