Gig Harbor Fire Department receives $2M in stimulus funding

GHFD plans to expand stations at Fox Island, Crescent Valley to full-time, once approved

Nate Hulings

of the Gateway

Gig Harbor firefighters stationed in Crescent Valley and Fox Island won’t have to live in mobile homes much longer.

Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One received word last Wednesday that it would receive more than $2 million in stimulus funds specifically appropriated to construct, modify and upgrade fire stations.

Direct funding would come from the Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants, a $210 million portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

With that funding, Gig Harbor Fire District No. 5 proposes to expand two stations by 1,280 square feet each. Main components include adding four sleeping rooms, restrooms and kitchen facilities.

About two months ago, the department applied for grant money to upgrade two of its stations, both of which were built in 1976. The stations were maintained but had only minor expansions, said Erik Watson, assistant chief of logistics.

The Crescent Valley and Fox Island stations both received $1 million for renovations. Watson said the plan is to modernize both stations and expand the living quarters — in turn, getting rid of the mobile homes.

Penny Hulse, prevention division chief, wrote the grant and said she was excited about the award.

“Of all the grants I’ve written, it’s the biggest one I’ve got,” Hulse said.

Trailers either staff a husband and a wife or two firefighters, Hulse said. The expansion to four sleeping rooms would mean the department could staff both stations full-time.

The Fox Island station currently has no sleeping quarters and only a makeshift kitchen in the day room. The trailer where the volunteer firefighters reside is 28 years old.

Funding couldn’t have come at a better time: Fox Island calls have increased 30 percent in the past three years, Hulse said.

“This is what we need to go full-time,” she said.

The Fox Island station also is in a rural-sensitive zoning area, which makes it difficult for a complete remodel.

The Crescent Valley station, which is 32 years old and also houses an all-volunteer crew, does not have sleeping quarters.

Fire departments in Snoqualmie Pass and Sedro-Woolley also received grants. Snoqualmie Pass is set to receive more than $4 million. Sedro-Woolley will receive about $1.2 million.

The department received word from Sen. Patty Murray’s office, but hasn’t yet received confirmation from the federal government.

Once it receives confirmation, the department will have 36 months to complete upgrades.

Murray, D-Wash., is a senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was passed in the U.S. Senate on Feb. 13 and signed into law by President Barack Obama four days later.

The department also is in the running for a FEMA grant to help fund airport training.

Reach Reporter Nate Hulings at 253-853-9243 or by e-mail at nate.hulings@gateline.com.