QRU facility progressing, but funds needed

The Lakeside Quick Response Unit is making progress on its new ambulance hall and community meeting place.

The new building has been designed to fill the future needs of a growing community. The rural population of southwest Flathead County and northwest Lake County will also continue to grow and demand more services in the future.

The building has been designated an "essential facility" for design purposes with the intention that it should remain operational in the event of a natural disaster.

This requires extraordinary steps in site development and building construction.

When site development began in April, it was soon discovered the soils that had been used to fill in the old swamp years ago could not safely support the new building.

Four local excavation contractors worked together to replace and compact the new material that came from the gravel pit in Somers.

This effort far exceeded the budget for site development but was a necessary investment in the long term integrity of the building. Already it became obvious that the local businesses wanted to participate in this project and their generosity has eased the budget shortfall.

With the building site raised safely above the floodplain and compacted with structural soils, the concrete foundation could be built.

A team, led by two Somers/Lakeside volunteer firemen, set forms, poured and finished the concrete.

The foundation was waterproofed and insulated by a local contractor. The team of local excavation contractors returned to backfill and rough grade the site.

A team of local framing contractors then began erecting the structure.

This has truly been a community project and the QRU is committed to keep it that way.

We have had many vendors and contractors that have worked, or will work, on the project as volunteers or at a discounted rate.

Construction of an "essential facility" that will meet the community's needs for many years requires more than volunteer help and discounted services.

Material costs, equipment costs, fuel costs and labor all need to be covered.

The Lakeside QRU started this project with donated and earned money saved over many years and is committed to completing the building without asking our supporters to pay any loan interest.

Except for a low interest loan through the State of Montana for the alternative energy ground source heat system, the QRU will be paying cash to build this facility for the community we serve.

We expect our existing funds to "weather in" the building for the winter, but we will likely not be able to have enough of the utilities installed and the building insulated to occupy it without raising more money.

We welcome those interested to visit the building site.

Please be safe and stay away from the work areas, but take a good look at our progress.

Your help is needed. Contributions can be sent to the Lakeside QRU, PO Box 911, Lakeside, MT 59922. Messages can be left at 844-2775.

Help with fundraising is welcome and much appreciated.

We are just a small part of the community that is trying to contribute to a great future.

Rosso is the president of the Lakeside QRU.