A spring groundbreaking is planned for the new Maeser fire substation. The substation will be run under the Vernal Department, says Uintah County Fire Marshal Jeremy Raymond, so it will not be considered a new department. The Vernal Department will run it with existing equipment and volunteers. The Uintah County Commission approved the remaining funds needed for the substation last month after the project was in limbo. The need for a fire substation in Maeser had been discussed for years in order to serve the over 495 residents that live over 5 miles from the closest fire station. In addition to improved response time in Maeser, Dry Fork and Painted Hills, it’s estimated the substation could save residents as much as a quarter million dollars annually on insurance premiums alone. The Community Impact Board awarded $239,000 dollars in grant funding for the project and Uintah County has committed the remaining $150,000 dollars needed.
