Redmond, Ore. – The city’s fire‑rescue department is set to receive a $4 million federal grant to launch a comprehensive Multi‑Jurisdiction Safety Action Plan. The money comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
How the funds will be used
The grant will support a suite of projects aimed at improving crash response and post‑crash care throughout Redmond’s rural service area. Planned activities include:
- Analysis of crash data and identification of high‑risk corridors.
- Coordination among local stakeholders, including fire districts, law‑enforcement agencies and municipal planners.
- Pilot programs such as emergency‑vehicle driver alerts, interoperable responder data systems, streamlined blood‑delivery workflows and traffic‑signal preemption to speed emergency response.
These initiatives are designed to boost survivability for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians while laying groundwork for longer‑term safety planning.
Federal officials praise the investment
U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, together with Representatives Janelle Bynum (OR‑05) and Andrea Salinas (OR‑06), announced the award on Friday, noting that the $16 million in total funding will benefit four Oregon counties – Marion, Polk, Klamath and Deschutes – for similar street‑safety projects.
“Whether walking, driving, or biking, Oregonians in every corner of the state deserve safe streets and roads in their communities to get where they need to go,” said Senator Merkley. “These federal investments will lay the groundwork to make sure Oregon roadways are safe places for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers.”
Senator Wyden added, “Safe roads and streets are a must for drivers, walkers and cyclists throughout Oregon, especially in these months when the nights get longer and the weather becomes worse. This federal investment will help to make sure Oregonians are that much safer throughout the year when going from point A to point B.”
Representative Bynum emphasized the family impact: “Everyone knows you’ve got to look both ways before crossing the street. But whether you’re headed to work, dropping the kids off at school, or making your way home, you shouldn’t have to think twice about safety along the way. Investing in our streets helps keep our families safe and makes getting around our communities easier for everybody.”
Representative Salinas highlighted the emergency‑response angle: “When someone is seriously injured in a crash, every second counts. Our firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders need the tools and coordination to get to people quickly and provide lifesaving care. This funding will help Salem and Polk Counties strengthen emergency response, identify dangerous roads, and make our communities safer.”
Local response
Redmond city officials have not yet released detailed plans, but the fire‑rescue department expects the grant to accelerate ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and communication systems. The department’s leadership indicated that the supplemental safety projects will be rolled out in phases, beginning with pilot tests on high‑traffic corridors identified as accident hotspots.
Community members and local businesses have expressed support, noting that improved emergency response can protect both residents and the region’s growing tourism economy. The grant also aligns with Redmond’s broader public‑safety goals, which include expanding first‑responder training and enhancing coordination with neighboring jurisdictions.
What’s next?
The SS4A program requires award recipients to develop detailed implementation plans within 90 days and to report progress annually. Redmond Fire & Rescue will work closely with state and federal partners to ensure compliance and to maximize the impact of the funding.
As the project moves forward, officials plan to hold public briefings to keep residents informed about pilot locations, expected benefits, and any temporary disruptions during implementation.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
