RAC recommends Title III funding for local fire and search‑and‑rescue projects; county to hold public hearing Sept. 23

The committee reviewed applications and recommended allocation of Title III funds (federal funds distributed under the Rural Schools and Community Self‑Determination Act) to local emergency‑services projects. The RAC’s recommendation will go to the county commissioners, which scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, Sept. 23, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a public‑comment period the committee said opened Aug. 2 and will close Sept. 16 as required under the statute.

The RAC recommended the following Title III allocations to be considered by the county commissioners: $10,000 to Clallam County Fire District 5 for a trail rescue kit and training materials; $10,805 to Clallam County Fire District 6 for dry suits for swift‑water search and rescue; $10,350 to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office for a search‑and‑rescue connectivity‑enhancement project (radios, accessories, batteries, chainsaw battery, metal detectors and related gear); $47,429.71 to Clallam County Fire District 2 for a fire‑rescue UTV; and $78,222.29 to Clallam County Fire District 3 for a Firewise Community Enrichment Program. The total requested by applicants was presented in the meeting as $263,729.50; federal availability was stated as $156,807 (figures from meeting transcript).

Committee chair and volunteer evaluators reviewed applications using evaluation forms; committee members thanked evaluators Noah and John for their work. The RAC’s recommendation will be forwarded to the county commissioners, who will hold the required public hearing before approving allocations.