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Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue

Proposition No. 1
Bonds to Construct New Fire Station and Acquire Firefighting and Life Saving Equipment

The Board of Fire Commissioners of Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue adopted Resolution No. 2010-009 concerning bonds to finance the cost of a new fire station. This proposition would authorize the District to construct and equip a new fire station, and purchase fire fighting and life saving equipment. The District would issue up to $845,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 20 years to pay for those improvements; and levy annual excess property taxes to pay and retire the bonds, all as provided in Resolution No. 2010-009. Should this proposition be:

APPROVED

REJECTED


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. 

Our Fire Department has needed a new station for decades. The need for emergency services continues to grow creating a strain on our Department to meet those growing needs and keep our community safe.

The current station is the only fire station within 20 miles of the pass, it is nearly 80 years old and is inadequate in many ways. A new fire station would serve as an emergency coordination center and shelter for those times, as have happened more than once recently, when environmental conditions isolate us from other communities to the east and west. The new station could also be used for community functions during less stressful times.

The Department has already received financial support for the $6.3 million estimated cost of the project. This bond will provide the last $845,000 needed to complete it. There are very few options for the Department to raise funds for the construction of the new station and without this bond the entire project is at risk. The new station is being designed for the next 50 years and will improve all aspects of emergency services.

Please vote yes on Proposition 1 and show your support on this important issue!

Statement submitted by: Lloyd Holman

No statement submitted.

Statements in favor of and in opposition to a ballot measure are submitted by committees appointed by the jurisdiction. No persons came forward to serve on the committee and to write a statement in opposition. If you would like to be involved with a committee in the future please contact the jurisdiction.

28 yes votes and a minimum voter turnout equal to 46 voters for King and Kittitas Counties combined. (Washington Constitution Article VII, Section 2(b)).

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