Missoula County Fire Needs Assessment

Missoula County is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to conduct a comprehensive fire protection infrastructure needs assessment and fire station location analysis. This study will focus on anticipated development within the Wye Targeted Economic Development Districts (Wye TEDD and Wye II TEDD) over the next 20-50 years. The assessment will evaluate existing service capacity to determine incremental infrastructure, facilities, apparatus, staffing, and capital investment needs attributable to projected growth. The selected firm will prepare a growth-based needs assessment and station location analysis, including baseline capacity findings and phased recommendations. The project aims to identify implementation and funding strategies, including Tax Increment Financing (TIF) mechanisms, for necessary fire protection infrastructure improvements. A process for periodic review and reevaluation of the needs assessment will also be recommended.