QUINCY — Grant County Fire District 3 was awarded two grants to upgrade their George fire station and to fund a firefighter position.

Earlier this month they were awarded a $900,000 Community Development Block Grant to remodel and build an addition to the George fire station.

“These monies from the $4.1 million of President (Barack) Obama stimulus package were allocated to Washington state for ‘shovel ready’ projects,” according to the fire district. “Grant County Fire District 3 has been planning and designing this project for several months and anticipates the bid process to begin in October.”

A main reason why the district received the funding was due to the community participating in an income survey.

They were also awarded a $108,380 grant to fund a firefighter position for the next five years.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded the grant Thursday.

Fire Chief Don Fortier said the funds will help maintain their staffing at the district and help manage the work load.

He said the grant is a SAFER grant, standing for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response.

“This direct funding is essential to train and equip our first responders who protect lives and property against all hazards in our communities each day,” stated Glenn A. Gaines, U.S Fire Administration deputy administrator.

“The USFA and FEMA will continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to support America’s firefighters through these critical grant funds.”