The 20th District lawmaker is also the prime sponsor of House Bill 1014, which would establish a new grant funding source for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet the fire safety needs
Ahead of National Fire Prevention Week (October 8-14), Rep. Peter Abbarno, the new ranking Republican on the House Capital Budget Committee, highlighted critical investments made in recent years in fire prevention infrastructure for the 20th Legislative District.
“Following a fire season that saw the second-highest number of fire-starts in our state’s history, it’s more important than ever to invest in our local fire departments and promote fire prevention awareness,” said Abbarno, R-Centralia. “Many of our rural fire departments serve rapidly growing communities with old, outdated fire stations and equipment. I am proud of our key investments to boost fire department infrastructure.”
Abbarno helped secure:
- $3.05 million for a new fire station and emergency medical services station in South Thurston County (2023);
- $2 million for Fire District #5 station construction and remodel in Napavine (2022); and
- $515,000 to remodel the Lake Lawrence Fire Station (2021).
The 20th District lawmaker is also the prime sponsor of House Bill 1014, which would establish a new grant funding source for rural fire departments whose buildings and equipment are inadequate to meet the fire safety needs of their growing communities.
If enacted, the bill would direct the Department of Commerce to establish a competitive grant program to award up to $2 million to local governments in rural counties for capital projects to improve fire protection services.
“Rural communities need help raising the funds necessary to meet the growing demand,” added Abbarno. “With the reality of high gas prices, groceries, and housing, state funds can help improve fire prevention infrastructure in rural communities without overburdening working families.”
President Calvin Coolidge first proclaimed Fire Prevention Week in 1925 for the “earnest study of the principles of fire protection, as a practical measure of nation economy.” This year’s theme is: “Cooking safety starts with you. Pay attention to fire prevention.”
Information provided by Washington State House Republicans houserepublicans.wa.gov
Also read:
- Vancouver Police conduct death investigationVancouver Police are investigating after a deceased female and an uninjured child were found in a vehicle on Blandford Drive.
- SOS: Lawsuit against ballot signature verification ‘wrong as a matter of common sense’Washington’s Supreme Court hears a pivotal case challenging the state’s ballot signature verification process, with potential implications for voter rights and election integrity.
- Letter: ‘The current bridge plan hurts economic development on BOTH sides of the river’Sam Churchill from Hayden Island shares his concerns over the economic impact of the current I-5 Bridge replacement proposal on both sides of the river.
- Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory CouncilClark County Board of Health extends application deadline for education position on Public Health Advisory Council, with a term ending Sept. 30, 2027.
- Letter: ‘We students are counting on voters to show up to the polls again’Vancouver’s Tammy Pham urges voters to reject I-2109, safeguarding essential education funding and youth opportunities.
- Shooting at Vancouver Mall leaves one dead, two injuredOne dead, two injured after a targeted shooting during a trick-or-treat event at Vancouver Mall, investigated by Vancouver Police Department.
- High school football: This is one of the greatest Week 9 schedules in Clark County historyHigh school football fans in Clark County Washington are in for a thrilling Friday night with three unbeaten teams competing for league championships.