SNOWE, COLLINS ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $150,000 FOR MAINE FIRE DEPARTMENTS

WASHINGTON, D.C.-Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Susan Collins (R-ME) today announced that $152,935 in federal funding has been awarded to three fire departments in Maine by the Department of Homeland Security. The awards are part of the "Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program," or FIRE Act.

"Federal grant awards are extremely beneficial to local fire departments to advance safety training and equipment," Senators Snowe and Collins said in a joint statement. The following departments will receive federal funding: · $62,516 to the West Bath Fire and Rescue Department.

· $36,270 to the Chelsea Volunteer Fire Department.

· $541,149 to the Weld Volunteer Fire Department.

The funds awarded to each of the three fire departments are to be used for Operations and Firefighter Safety, which includes training in wellness and fitness, personal protective equipment as well as modifications to fire stations and facilities.

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. ###