For Immediate Release: March 7, 2006

Orting Public Safety Building gets $250,000 in state budget

Olympia - The 2006 state supplemental budget includes $250,000 for the Orting Public Safety Building. Rep. Tom Campbell took the issue to the House and then worked with the Senate to ensure approval for this year's budget.
 
The quarter-million will provide funds to build a new Public Safety Building for the Fire and Police Departments. The City of Orting, which owns the property for the structure, raised $1.7 million.
 
Campbell commended the city of Orting for this great effort for the much-needed facility. He said this appropriation along with all the work the community has put into it, will allow construction to get underway.
 
"I’m very proud that we were able to work this appropriation through the Legislature," Campbell said. "I have to commend the leaders of Orting for their hard work and their strong effort to bring this project to reality."
 
Campbell noted that Orting has the fastest growing population in the state. "Between the years 1990 and 2000, Orting's population grew for 2,000 to it's current 4,800 citizens. We expect to see that double in the next 10 years."
 
He said Orting's unique location presents special consideration in public safety needs.
 
"The current fire department building was built 60 years ago. It's long passed it's ability to contain modern fire-fighting facilities," he said. "This state appropriation combined with the city funds will ensure a wonderful, new state-of-the-art facility for Orting. No longer will someone have to drive the fire engine out the door before firefighters can get on board."
 
Campbell, who has been successful in the past obtaining state funds for the Orting Bridge and the Bridge for Kids, said all these elements are important for public safety, in that -- due to its proximity to Mt. Rainier, the city is vulnerable to Lahar, flooding, earthquakes and storm hazards.
 
"Like so many people in the city, I believe Orting needs to be the most prepared city for public safety situations," Campbell added. "We're on a roll with this project.

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For more information, contact Rep. Tom Campbell @ 360-786-7912