The Blaine County Commissioners awarded $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) funds to the North Blaine County Fire District to help build eight new first-responder housing units at the Greenhorn Fire Station at East Fork Road. The initial four units are expected to be installed by the end of 2022.
The county donation adds to the $300,000 that the fire district and the City of Sun Valley have each committed to this $3.2 million first-responder housing project. The fire district is also seeking private donations to keep rental rates to firefighters and paramedics affordable.
The land, 2.3 acres of which is owned by the Idaho Transportation Department, has been secured with a 99-year lease for $1 a year. That, and a $1.5 million private loan, have allowed the project to move forward without delays. The property is strategically located at Greenhorn Fire Station, on Highway 75 just south of the East Fork light. The fire district already has six housing units on site. The plan calls for installing eight prefabricated homes and an eight-bay detached garage.
An order has been placed for six two-bedroom, two-bath units, and two one-bedroom, one-bath units. The first four units are expected to be delivered and ready for occupancy before the end of 2022, with the remaining four units ready by summer 2023.
If successful, the fundraising campaign will leverage the $950,000 already committed by local government partners, pay back the $1.5 million loan, cover the balance of the project budget and create a small reserve for ongoing maintenance.
Donations can be made through the Spur Foundation. Call (208) 450-2600 for more information.