With a goal of building a new fire hall without adding to the tax burden for the community, the Gates Fire District Emergency Services Support group has raised nearly $675,000 from cash donations, fundraisers, pledges, grants and in-kind services.
The goal is $2.7 million and many other projects are planned.
A 1.79-acre parcel of land on East Sorbin Street for the fire hall has been purchased and cleared. All necessary seismic, septic and groundwork studies have been completed.
There have been public hearings on land use, concepts have been drawn and contracts signed for architectural drawings.
According to GFDESS, the project is approaching the point where it might be considered "shovel-ready." The new stimulus package may be a source of additional support and the GFDESS project team is researching this possibility very aggressively.
Anyone who wishes to contribute should call 503-897-3365 and those who want to learn more about the Gates Fire Hall project should call 503-897-2929 or visit www.gatesfirehall.com.
The new fire hall will have space for training sessions, bays for larger emergency vehicles and storage room for equipment. There will also be meeting room for community events and gatherings, as well as facilities for emergency services.
In addition to space restrictions, the current facility doesn’t meet earthquake codes, lacks American Disabilities Act access and has other safety issues.
