Senator Collins Kicks Off “Funding Maine’s Future” Tour at Event Celebrating $1.3 Million for New Bradford Fire Station
Senator Collins, the Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee, has secured more than $500 million for 285 Maine projects since Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending in 2021
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Bradford, ME—After recently ascending to the Vice Chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee, U.S. Senator Susan Collins kicked off her Funding Maine’s Future tour on Friday by visiting the Bradford Municipal Fire Station. The event was held to celebrate a $1,387,000 grant to replace the current 175-year-old fire station. Senator Collins sponsored this funding in the fiscal year 2023 government funding law.
“Ensuring that Bradford’s brave firefighters have adequate facilities is essential to the delivery of efficient emergency services not only in this community, but also for Charleston, Corinth, Glenburn, and Hudson that rely on the town’s mutual aid,” said Senator Collins. “This funding for a new fire station will provide vital support to Bradford firefighters and enhance their ability to protect lives and property. Through my leadership role on the Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for investments in Maine to improve local infrastructure and enhance the wellbeing of Mainers.”
The current Bradford Municipal Fire Station is 175 years old and structurally unsound. It also lacks adequate restrooms, shower facilities, and a means to clean firefighting gear. In the fiscal year (FY) 2023 government funding law, Senator Collins secured more than $36 million for public safety facilities and equipment in 27 Maine communities, which included $1.3 million to help Bradford construct a new fire station. The nearly 6,000-square-foot facility will house fire trucks and provide firefighters with a safe, energy efficient building.
About Funding Maine’s Future
As part of her Funding Maine’s Future initiative, Senator Collins, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, champions investments in Maine that will promote job creation, workforce training, and economic development; expand access to health care; improve public safety, infrastructure, and community resources; and protect our environment. In 2021, Congress reinstituted Congressionally Directed Spending. Following this decision, Senator Collins secured a total of more than $500 million for 285 Maine projects for FY2022 and FY2023. The FY2024 federal appropriations process is expected to begin in Spring 2023. Eligible Maine municipalities and non-profit organizations can learn more about how to apply through Senator Collins’ website.
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