Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, introduced legislation that would create a permanent grant program to support the capital needs of rural fire districts and departments. House Bill 1001 was pre-filed ahead of the 2025 legislative session.

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

In past sessions, Abbarno helped secure funding through the capital budget for multiple fire districts in SW Washington; however, the funding source is not permanent, and fire districts may be unable to rely on future funding without a permanent solution. HB 1001 would create a permanent grant program to help fire districts build, expand, and improve their facilities …