Funding for Kodiak’s new firehouse makes its way toward the legislative finish line

The city of Kodiak is one step closer to replacing its current firehouse. The state capital budget includes $15 million for a new station, but state Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, says the funding must still clear some legislative hurdles.

“And we’ll try to get it through the Senate here at least by the end of the week, the House will be back on Monday, they’ll receive the bill then. And if it’s in there, I know Louise will be able to keep it in there,” said Stevens.

He’s referring to Kodiak Republican House Speaker Louise Stutes. The funding also must survive Governor Dunleavy’s veto pen.

But city officials remain optimistic they’re in the final phases of funding a replacement for Kodiak’s aging firehouse.

The facility was built in the 1940s and sits in the tsunami inundation zone. The late Congressman Don Young secured $7 million for the project in the federal omnibus spending package passed this spring. 

Kodiak Mayor Pat Branson said the governor previously proposed funding the remaining balance for the new fire station through a $15 million general obligation bond. 

“So we know when we met with him he was very supportive of having that amount in the G.O. bond, so if it comes out in the capital [budget] and he doesn’t veto it – we are on our way,” Branson said.

Kodiak officials have picked a site – and an architect to design – the new building. But no date has been set to break ground on the project.