A collaborative effort between the Idaho Transportation Department and Northern Lakes Fire District has paved the way for construction of a new fire station in Garwood, bringing expanded emergency response capabilities to a rapidly growing area in northern Kootenai County.
ITD officially deeded a parcel of land to the fire district in September 2025 following several months of coordination to ensure all requirements for the transfer were met. The property was originally part of a larger parcel acquired during design and construction of the Garwood overpass. While this portion of land was no longer needed for transportation expansion purposes, it proved to be an ideal site for a public safety facility, turning what would have remained bare land into a community asset.
The effort began in June 2025 when Northern Lakes Fire District approached ITD about acquiring the parcel. At the time, the district faced an urgent need for a permanent station location in the area as its temporary facility was expected to be eliminated. The district was also preparing to hire nine new firefighters using 2026 levy funding and needed a place to house personnel and equipment.
To move the process forward, the district coordinated with Kootenai County commissioners and Lakes Highway District to confirm it could meet development requirements, including securing a conditional use permit and establishing access agreements. ITD Assistant District Engineer at the time, Marvin Fenn, and Right-of-Way Agent, Stacy Simkins, worked closely with the fire district to outline what documentation and assurances headquarters would need before considering approval of the land transfer.
After those steps were completed, ITD granted official approval in late August 2025. Simkins finalized the deed process, recorded it with the county, and delivered the completed paperwork to the fire district in early September.
The new station addresses a long-identified need for improved response coverage in the northern portion of the district. According to Fire Chief Kevin Croffoot, call volume has increased approximately 25 percent over the past five years, and the new station will help crews reach emergencies more quickly. The land donation significantly reduced project costs, allowing the district to keep the estimated $1 million construction project within its existing budget without adding tax burden for residents. The presence of a staffed station in the area may also help lower insurance premiums for nearby homeowners.
District Engineer Ryan Hawkins and Simpkins both had the pleasure of attending the Fire District’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility on February 12.
Construction is expected to begin soon, with completion anticipated in 2027, marking the transformation of remnant right-of-way into critical public safety infrastructure that will serve the community for years to come.
