The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation (OLDCC) announced yesterday that Oceanside has been invited to apply for Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) funding for the Fire Station No. 1 relocation project. Only 13 projects nationwide and among US Territories received this invitation.
The DCIP grant will provide up to $3.5 million to help offset the costs of constructing the new Fire Station, to be located at 602 Civic Center Drive. Total construction costs, including 20% contingency are estimated at $18.6 million. The project is partially funded by proceeds from Measure X, which was approved by Oceanside voters in November 2018 and implements a ½ cent sales tax for seven years to fund public safety programs, infrastructure improvements, road repairs and aid for homelessness. The project is expected to go to bid later this year.
“The approved Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) grant funding to update Fire Station 1 is excellent news,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “The existing fire station constructed in 1929 lacks the ability to house apparatuses adequate enough to serve the growing downtown area of Oceanside and the adjacent area of Camp Pendleton. I’m proud of the efforts taken, including my letters of support pushing for DCIP to secure this funding, that is critical to both the safety of the firefighters and the surrounding communities they protect.”
Oceanside’s close proximity to and excellent working relationship with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, specifically the Fire Department, played a key role in achieving the grant funding. The grant will enhance public safety and resilience for both Oceanside and MCB Camp Pendleton. As noted in the City’s pre-application, “This project will enhance the installation’s resiliency, as measured by the sustained capability to utilize available resources to respond to, withstand, and recover from adverse situations. Resilience is the ability to prepare for hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and withstand or recover rapidly from disruptions. The development and maintenance of robust fire and life safety functions are key parts of building and maintaining resilience.”
Oceanside’s existing Fire Station 1, located at 714 Pier View Way, was constructed in 1929, making it one of the nation’s oldest working firehouses. The existing facilities do not meet current essential facility building code requirements and cannot accommodate additional staff or equipment.
The new Fire Station will be a state-of-the-art facility with sufficient space to house an engine company, an ambulance and a truck company, as well as the flexibility to house a Battalion Chief. This is the City’s closest fire station to the Main Gate at Camp Pendleton, located only 2.3 miles away. In the event of a major fire or emergency, resources from Oceanside Fire Station 1 will quickly respond and assist. Having a ladder truck and Battalion Chief available to respond from this station would be integral in the event of a structure fire or major emergency. In addition, the new station will house a training room that will allow both Oceanside and Camp Pendleton fire and public safety staff to update their skills.