SOLEDAD — City of Soledad has received a $2 million grant from the state of California for the purchase of a new fire truck that can reach multi-story buildings.
Sen. Anna Caballero, who helped to secure the funding in this year’s state budget, presented the ceremonial check to city officials last Friday, Oct. 28, at the Soledad Fire Department.
“Budgets are a statement of values, and California’s budget reflects our desire to invest in our working families,” said Caballero, who represents the Salinas Valley in the 12th Senate District. “… There will be substantial support for our communities to upgrade our libraries, public safety and fire services to support the creation of good paying jobs in the Central Valley. With a responsible budget for today and long-term planning for our future, California is well positioned to continue to be an economic powerhouse and a place where all can thrive.”
In addition to increasing the community’s safety, this purchase of a ladder truck will enable the City of Soledad to move forward with measures proposed in the update of its General Plan that allows construction of three- and four-story buildings.
“This new apparatus will provide depth in our fire department with the ability to reach multi-story buildings, large commercial properties, and allow us to provide high-rise water application when needed,” said Cal Fire Battalion Chief Jason Luckenbach. “It will also be a regional asset to assist neighboring communities when requested for assistance on a variety of large/technical incidents. In an expanding city, this ladder truck will assist with future development of commercial properties, medium/high density housing, and provide the community with additional safety with its variety of capabilities.”
Mayor Anna Velazquez said it was an honor to work with Caballero to secure critical funding for the city.
“Access to housing is a basic human right and an integral factor to a good quality of life, economic prosperity and mental wellness,” Velazquez said. “The funding secured for the acquisition of a ladder truck will help the city address a major barrier to the construction of high-density housing. We can now meet the needs of our families and support developments that are economically viable and produce diverse housing types attainable and affordable for our workforce.”
