Stronger Families. Stronger Communities. Stronger Washington

State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, has pre-filed legislation to establish a permanent state grant program for rural fire districts and departments.

If passed, House Bill 1001 would create a grant program for districts to build, expand and improve facilities. The legislation was prefiled Monday.

“Pressure is put on our local fire departments as populations grow, as economic development expands, and as weather puts rural community members at risk,” Abbarno said in a statement. “This legislation would improve fire safety and absorb some of the fire safety costs, relieving the economic burden on working families and small businesses.”

A member of the House Capital Budget Committee, Abbarno has previously secured state funds for multiple districts in Southwest Washington, though the funding sources have been temporary.

Read more in the Chronicle

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