News and Events
News:
GATES FIRE HALL PROJECT AWARDED 1.5 MILLION
GATES, ORE. 7 FEB. 2010 — On February 4, 2010, the Gates Rural Fire Protection District received notice from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that they were awarded a $1,582,821 grant from the federal government’s 2010 stimulus package. To date, the Gates Fire District is one of only three fire districts in the State of Oregon to receive funding from this program, although 77 have applied. The District will use these funds for the construction of a new fire hall.
According to the DHS’s website, its Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants provide financial assistance directly to fire departments on a competitive basis. The goal of the grant program is to build new or modify existing fire stations in order for departments to enhance response capabilities and protect the community from fire and fire-related hazards.
Since 2006, the Gates Fire District has worked collaboratively with the Gates Fire District Emergency Services Support non-profit organization to carry out a capital fundraising campaign in the amount of $2.3 million. With the addition of these stimulus funds, the fire hall project now has approximately $1.9 million secured for project funding.
“Fundraising efforts will continue through the initial stages of construction,” says District Fire Chief Gary Swanson. “Thanks to volunteers who worked to see that the project was shovel-ready so that we were eligible for the grant, we are now in a position to begin the bidding process within 60 days. We anticipate breaking ground in June 2010.”
In 2007, the District purchased the parcel of land upon which the fire facility will reside. The 1.79 acre wooded lot is on East Sorbin Street, located at the northwest end of the Gates Bridge. For questions about the Gates Fire Hall, visit www.gatesfirehall.com, or call 503.897.2929. For information about how to donate, contact Nancy Swanson at 503.897.3365.
About the District and GFDESS
The Gates Rural Fire Protection District strives to provide high quality fire, medical, and rescue emergency service with the commitment to saving lives and property. Formed in 1949, they are volunteers who care about their community and are dedicated to responding in times of need to help others. Gates Fire District Emergency Services Support is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that works to provide funding for the benefit and support of the programs of the District.
Media Postings:
Stayton Mail
February 15, 2007
June 13, 2007
September 12, 2007
March 5, 2008
February 17, 2010
Mill City Independent Press
May 16, 2007
September 12, 2007
December 2007
Our Town Monthly
December 2007
March 2010
Statesman Journal
March 4, 2010
Events:
Another fundraising project is in the works, details to be announced soon. |
