City of Niland receives new public safety facilities thanks to state grant

Fire fighters in the city of Niland, are operating out of a mobile unit behind an old facility that has been falling apart for years. But thanks to a state grant, the county plans to build a new public safety facility by next year.

One fire department official says having a safe work environment is essential for the fire fighters to do their job. “We’ll it affects them tremendously because they’re there 24 hours. They eat there, they sleep there. They’re call out from there so…having healthy, safe environment to…that’s adequate is important to them,” said Alfredo Estrada, Imperial County Fire Department Chief.

The county continues to look for ways to improve communities without using general funds. Esperanza Colio Warren, Community and Economic Development Manager said, “The last thing we want to do is ask the county is invest additional funds…the general funds into project that are needed in the community. and that’s why the county is really an advocate to secure funding through federal funding.”

When applying for grants it’s important to know the needs of the community. Colio Warren said, “What are the challenges that they have in the community. What services would they like to see in their communities. That’s why it’s so important for us that they come and let us know.”

Construction for the new public safety facility begins next year.