How OKC’s bond proposal could assist the OKC Fire Department

This October, $2.7 billion in city projects rest in the hands of Oklahoma City voters. Voters will decide on 11 different proposals to improve OKC’s critical infrastructure. One city leader said the investment helps keep the city safe. 

$130 million for fire station and facility additions  

More than $130 million would help the OKC Fire Department update and build new facilities. However, Chief Richard Kelley said updates to city streets will help firefighters reach people faster. 

Total bond proposal includes funding for 547 OKC infrastructure projects 

OKC’s 2025 general obligation bond package provides money for 547 projects, with 76 percent being critical infrastructure projects. Kelley’s department would receive $130 million for building upgrades. 

The OKCFD proposed projects 

1. New training center for fire and police crews ($40M) 
2. New fleet logistics facility at SW 15th St. and S Portland Ave. ($21.89M) 
3. New fire station in west Oklahoma City to service Wards 1 and 3 ($10.9M) 
4. New fire station near NE 125th St. and Eastern Ave. ($10.9M) 
5. New fire station near at Reno Ave. and Frisco Road ($10.9M) 
6. Renovation of station #30 at NW Expressway and N Meridian Ave./Lake Hefner Rd. ($14.2M) 
7. Additional renovations for fire stations citywide ($7.29M) 

“To make sure our residents are being served at a high level,” Kelley said. “And try to build for the future and be forward-thinking. That’s what we’re trying to do in this approach.” 

Kelley said this proposal is about the community as a whole and improving roads and streets to keep a growing city running efficiently. 

“Those roadways are a big part of that,” Kelley said. “We want to make sure, as we continue to grow, that we’re doing everything we can to assure our residents receive high-quality service in a quick, efficient manner throughout the city.” 

Kelley says better roads improve first responders’ response times 

More than $1.3 billion would fund OKC street improvements. Kelley says quality roads impact his firefighters’ ability to get to emergencies efficiently.  

“It’s not only building fire stations, but flow of traffic, how we can get there and respond in a quick and efficient manner,” Kelley said. 

Kelley said no project is more important than another and that each improvement builds a path to a safer community. 

“They come together in a lot of different ways,” Kelley said. “To be able to make sure we save safe, secure neighborhoods throughout our city.” 

The election for the OKC Bond 2025 is on Oct. 14 

Voters will vote on each project area separately on Oct. 14. The city said the bond will not increase property taxes. The 2017 bond package would roll over into the new bond if approved.