Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue (SPFR) has recognized the need for a new fire station since the 1970’s. Station 291 was originally built in the early 1930’s as a maintenance shed and over the years has been used for many different activities until it became the headquarters for our Fire Department. The building has numerous deficiencies including; structural damage, poor site design, non-compliant electrical system, no smoke alarm or sprinkler systems, no vehicle exhaust system, not enough apparatus bays, insufficient space in the apparatus bays, no decontamination area, and no hose tower. Additionally, there are inadequate training and exercise areas, insufficient office and dormitory space, no emergency shelter, command, or communication capabilities, and is not compliant with ADA or NFPA 1500 standards.
SPFR successfully asked Congress to donate land through the USFS for a new fire station. The district has also received $4,007,374 in federal assistance through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act stimulus package and is in the process of receiving assistance from the USDA Rural Community Development program in the form of a $1,500,000 loan. However, even with that assistance, SPFR still needs additional funding to complete the new fire station.
This measure would authorize the issuance of an $845,000 capital improvements bond to pay part of the cost of building the fire station. This bond should be financed over a 20 year period from the proceeds of a special property tax levy, and is meant to provide sufficient funds to complete the project.