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.

If passed, the legislation would direct the Department of Commerce to establish a grant program to award funding to local governments in rural counties.

“I visited too many fire districts that have substandard facilities for training, sleeping, and protecting communities,” Abbarno said. “Fire districts, like those in the 20th Legislative District, are the first line of defense against forest fires, serve as cooling stations during heatwaves and warming stations during deep freezes, and provide protection from catastrophic events like flooding in the Chehalis Basin.”

The 2025 legislative session will begin on Jan. 13 and run for 105 days. A member of the House of Representatives, Abbarno was recently selected by his fellow Republicans to serve as the House caucus chair for the party.

“Rural communities need help raising the funds necessary to meet the growing demand,” Abbarno said. “With the reality of high gas prices, groceries, and housing, state funds can help improve fire prevention infrastructure in rural communities without overburdening working families.”