SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE NEARLY $240,000 IN FUNDING FOR MAINE FIRE DEPARTMENTS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced $237,582 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grants will be allocated to four local fire departments in the State of Maine. The funding is provided through the "Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program," or FIRE Act.

"This federal funding will allow first responders throughout Maine to acquire the training and equipment necessary to better serve their communities," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement.

The following departments will receive funding:

· $35,784 for the Hallowell Fire Department.

· $37,080 for the Eustis Fire Department.

· $111,438 for the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department.

· $53,280 for the Monroe Fire Department.

The Hallowell, Eustis and Monroe Fire Departments will use their funds for an Operations and Firefighting Safety Program which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness as well as modifications to the fire station facilities. The grant awarded to the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department will be used for the Firefighting Vehicle Acquisition program, which provides various fire equipment.

FIRE Act Grants were created with strong endorsement from Senators Snowe and Collins. These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, Emergency Medical Service programs, and Fire Prevention and Safety programs and to purchase new fire equipment.