The Salem Fire Department has received a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the amount of $1,037,250 to assist in earthquake strengthening upgrades of three fire stations. Without these upgrades each of these stations are at risk of serious damage in the event of a significant earthquake.
This project will provide seismic strengthening of Fire Stations 2 (875 Madison NE), 4 (200 Alice SE), and 6 (2740 25th SE).
The Fire General Obligation Bond, approved by voters in 2006, provided funds to reinforce these stations to meet seismic standards for critical facilities at the Group II level (this level ensures that firefighters and apparatus will be able to exit the building following an earthquake and that critical portions of the facility will remain useable). This grant will allow the Salem Fire Department to upgrade these stations to Group III standards, the highest level of seismic resistance. All portions of the facility will remain useable within a short time of an earthquake.
The grant period is September 25, 2007 through September 30, 2009. The project will go out to bid within the next few months is expected to be completed within 18 months.