Construction on a new fire station in Government Camp for the Hoodland Fire
District could begin as soon as spring 2014, according to Dave Queener,
Clackamas County Senior Project Planner. Once the project’s feasibility is
established (which Queener said is expected to take place this year), work on
the design phase will begin, perhaps as early as January, with the project put
out to bid in March or April of next year.

“It’s a very important project to continue to provide quality fire service up
there,” Queener said. “Hopefullly by doing this, we can lower rates and
(obtain) better insurance rating.”

Under a previous design, the current station on the west end of Government
Camp would have expanded (including building into the adjacent hillside), but
HFD chief Mic Eby noted that design will not be used. Instead, the new design
will include a remodel of the current first floor of the building to house all the
fire equipment (expected to include a class “A” fire engine, a 3,000 gallon
pumping water tender and a medical squad), with a new second floor built
above it for personnel space (including a kitchen and bathroom).

Eby hopes to staff the new station with three volunteers.

The project is expected to utilize approximately $900,000 remaining from $1
million provided by the Government Camp tax increment finance district.

The HFD currently operates the station under a special use permit from the
US Forest Service, who owns the property. Last month, representatives from
organizations including the HFD, Clackamas County, USFS, Mt. Hood Meadows
and the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol met to discuss a proposed lease should a
proposed land swap between the USFS and Meadows take place.

According to Eby, the new lease for the HFD would be for 99 years at a total
cost of $1. The HFD already owns the current building.

Eby added that it was possible for the HFD to purchase the property, but
would not be able to since the cost would be at fair market value,
approximately $180,000, which would hinder building the new station.

The project has been in the works for more than five years, when the funds
were first provided by the TIF, and people are hopeful to see it move forward.
Eby added that the station could be opened as early as fall 2014.

In other Hoodland Fire District news:
Nine volunteers graduated from the latest volunteer class, with a ceremony
held June 25. Backyard burning ended on June 15, but permits can still be
obtained at the district’s main station at 69634 Highway 26 in Welches.

The new AT&T cell tower at the district’s main station has been erected, but is
not yet operational.