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Redmond seeks expedited acceptance of $1.5 million Ecology grant for second electric fire engine (25% match)
Summary
Fire Chief Adrian Shepherd asked the committee to place a $1.5 million Washington State Department of Ecology grant on the consent agenda so the city can accept funding for a second electric fire engine; the grant carries a 25% match covered by the apparatus replacement fund and staff said the city will maintain a mixed diesel/electric fleet.
Fire Chief Adrian Shepherd told the Public Safety and Human Services Committee on March 17 that Redmond has the opportunity to accept a $1,500,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to purchase a second electric fire engine.
“We're seeking your approval for the acceptance of a $1,500,000 grant from the Washington state department of ecology to acquire our second electric fire engine,” Shepherd said, asking the committee to place the item on the March 17 business meeting consent agenda to meet an acceptance deadline.
Shepherd said the grant carries a 25% matching obligation, which the department will fund from the apparatus replacement fund. He described multiple benefits of an electric engine, saying it eliminates diesel exhaust exposure for firefighters, improves response capabilities, reduces long‑term maintenance costs and aligns with the city's climate commitments.
Council members asked why the request arrived on short notice; Shepherd said the grant award came with a short acceptance window that required rapid presentation. When asked about the city’s long‑term fleet plan, Shepherd said the city will retain a mixed diesel/electric fleet because current electric technology does not yet meet all operational needs.
Shepherd also gave a cost comparison to the committee: “the typical diesel apparatus will run you approximately $1,300,000. Fully electric engine is going to cost approximately $2,300,000,” he said, noting that the grant closes much of that gap and the apparatus replacement fund can cover the city’s match.
Council had no objections to placing the grant‑acceptance item on the consent agenda for the upcoming business meeting so staff can meet the Ecology deadline.
