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County says $1.25M ARPA letter clears way for Southwest Fire Mutual Aid infrastructure work; EMS funding and vehicle donations discussed
Summary
County officials reported receiving governor's letter clearing $1.25 million in ARPA funds for Southwest Fire Mutual Aid infrastructure upgrades and discussed other grant prospects, EMS funding, and donation of a chief's vehicle for intercept use.
County officials reported that Southwest Fire Mutual Aid will receive $1,250,000 in ARPA funds after the governor's office confirmed requirements were met, a development county leaders said will help upgrade fire mutual aid infrastructure.
Officials explained the mutual aid group faces roughly a $4.8 million infrastructure need; the $1.25 million ARPA letter is one commitment among other potential funding sources. County staff said an additional $936,000 request submitted through Senator Jeanne Shaheen remained pending but on the county's radar.
The commissioners and staff discussed broader EMS funding and operational improvements. County staff described prior grant work that helped raise millions for sheriff dispatch upgrades; they said the county has pursued outside funding to reduce taxpayer burden. Officials also described a donated county vehicle — a chief's suburban in good condition — that will be used as an intercept vehicle for EMS operations, with other fleet reassignments to maintain coverage.
County staff flagged ongoing advocacy at the federal level, including planned outreach at a legislative conference to seek funding for 911 infrastructure and proposed language changes that could allow billing for on‑scene care without transport. Staff also mentioned an upcoming discussion of HB12 (visa solutions) to explore recruiting nurses from abroad; timeline estimates cited ranged from four to six months for certain countries and longer for others.
No formal vote on ARPA or federal advocacy items took place; staff said they will continue grant pursuit, coordinate with mutual aid leadership and follow up on pending federal earmarks and program language changes.
