Hoodland Fire District Bond Measure Passes; U.S. Forest Service Partnership Announced for New Main Fire Station

By Marie Kennedy, The Mountain Times

The proposed $19.145 million General Obligation Bond to fund a new fire station for the Hoodland Fire District has been approved by voters. In the May 20 special district election, 58.10% of voters – 886 in favor and 639 opposed – voted to pass the measure. The election results are scheduled to be officially certified on June 13, 2025.

The bond will allow the District to replace its aging 1966 fire station with a safe, modern, and fully equipped facility that meets today’s standards for emergency response and firefighter health. The current building has long outlived its functionality – it lacks adequate sleeping quarters, has hazardous materials such as asbestos, and does not meet seismic safety standards.

Hoodland Fire District is also proud to announce a new partnership with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). The two agencies have signed a joint-use agreement for the new station, with the USFS contributing $5.6 million toward design and construction costs.

“This is a truly transformational moment for Hoodland Fire District,” said Division Chief Scott Kline. “We are incredibly grateful to our residents for their trust and support, and to the U.S. Forest Service for their partnership on this vital project. Together, this investment will strengthen our operational capacity, improve collaboration between agencies, and ultimately enhance public safety for everyone in our community.”

The new main fire station – Station 351 – will be built on a four-acre parcel donated by Clackamas County. It will serve as a shared base for Hoodland Fire and USFS personnel, improving regional response coordination and giving local emergency responders the space and tools they need to serve a growing population and a more complex set of emergencies.

Next steps are already in motion. On June 5, the District will appear before the Clackamas County Planning Board for its pre-application conference. Once the election results are certified on June 13, Division Chief Kline says the District will begin the process of securing the bond funding. If all goes to plan, groundbreaking may take place as soon as October 2025, with project completion anticipated in spring 2027.

“This bond measure represents more than a new building,” said Chief Kline. “It’s a sign of trust, commitment, and the deep connection between Hoodland Fire and the community we proudly serve.”

For more information, visit www.hoodlandfire.gov, or contact Scott Kline, Division Chief at 503-622-3256 or scottkline@hoodlandfire.gov.