Senator Collins Speaks at Auburn Public Safety Building Groundbreaking
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AUBURN, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the City of Auburn’s new public safety building. Auburn Fire Chief Robert Chase, Police Chief Jason Moen, City Manager Phil Crowell, members of the Fire, Police, and EMS Departments, and other local officials also participated in the ceremony.
The new facility will replace one of Auburn’s outdated emergency response stations that no longer meets modern safety, health, and accessibility standards. Designed to meet current Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Fire Protection Association health and safety requirements, the facility will improve emergency response times, expand training capacity, and enhance cooperation between emergency services. It will include a secure public entrance, booking area, interview rooms, evidence storage, locker and shower facilities, apparatus bay, living and bunk areas, training rooms, conference rooms, and community outreach spaces.
“One of the greatest needs in Maine is addressing our many obsolete public safety facilities. That is why I have worked hard to secure nearly $87 million over the past five years for 45 new or renovated stations throughout Maine. The new public safety building in Auburn will bring the Police and Fire Departments together under one roof, improve the delivery of vital services, and help ensure that first responders have the safe, modern space to train and respond to emergencies that they deserve,” said Senator Collins. “I was proud to secure funding for this project through my role as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee to help make this new facility a reality and strengthen emergency services for Auburn and the surrounding communities for years to come.”
“Senator Collins has long been a dedicated advocate for Maine communities, especially ours. She actively supports first responders in Auburn and across Maine by continuously securing millions in federal funding for public safety facilities, vehicles, and equipment. We’re deeply grateful for her support of Auburn’s Public Safety professionals and we are honored that she is here with us this morning,” said Auburn City Manager Phil Crowell. “In Androscoggin County alone, the Senator has secured funding for 46 projects totaling nearly $106 million, including $2.5 million for the Auburn Public Safety Building project. Thanks to these targeted investments, our community and our state will be strengthened, and will see real and direct benefits.”
In 2022, Senator Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured $2.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support this project in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill.
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