SENATOR COLLINS COMMENDS UMAINE FORT KENT FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS

            WASHINGTON, D.C.-During a special ceremony today in Fort Kent, a letter from Senator Susan Collins was read commending the University of Maine at Fort Kent for its dedication to renewable energy.  UMKF today cut the ribbon on a new biomass boiler that will be used to heat the Lodge, which is the University's largest residence hall, and the UMFK Sports Center. 

            Senator Collins fought to secure the federal funding that the Maine Department of Conservation awarded to the University of Maine at Fort Kent to help install this new biomass heating system, which is expected to save the campus nearly $1 million in heating costs over the next decade.

            "The biomass project you have completed, with this $500,000 grant, will provide long term benefits to local jobs and create an environmentally friendly system which will aide in the sustainability of natural resources," Senator Collins wrote in the letter.  "Through the combined hard work of many people, the University has made this biomass system a reality.  Your completed project will be the perfect role model for other communities and universities around Maine."