Gonzaga University to enhance air quality with ‘Smoke Ready Spokane’ grant | News [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Northeast Community Center has often been described as a safe haven for Spokane residents. Soon, the non-profit will provide the community a breath of fresh air.

In January, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1.1 million grant to Gonzaga University to improve air quality from wildfire smoke in Spokane. Now, the university and City of Spokane plan to use the funds to improve air quality in recreational spaces.

New air quality filters and upgraded HVAC monitors will be up and running in the Northeast Community Center within the next two weeks.

“It’s a vision, it’s something that we were looking at doing but as a non-profit we don’t have unlimited funds,” said Dave Richardson, the executive direction of the Northeast Community Center. “When the opportunity met the need, we were able to quickly respond and get the grant.”

Richardson said improving air quality in trusted …