HOULTON, Maine — Town officials said that they were pleased to receive a $333,334 federal grant that they hope to use to buy a new pumper tanker for the Houlton Fire Department.
Nancy Ketch, the town’s economic and community development director, said Friday that she had learned of the award from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ office. U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin also announced the grant, adding that he had written to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to seek approval for the funding.
Ketch said the money will help replace the department’s 36-year-old pumper truck. She said the town had requested $376,000 from FEMA, and had expected to contribute a five percent match toward the $395,000 cost of a new pumper truck. Ketch said she has not yet learned why the town did not get the full amount. She speculated that there was only a set amount of money to give out, so cuts had to be made.
“We have to go out to bid, so the cost of the truck could come in lower,” said Ketch. “I think we will be able to buy it even without having the full grant amount we asked for.”
Ketch said the town needs to replace the aging pumper tanker, which consists of a 1980 GMC fuel chassis and a 1965 aluminum GMC tank.
Poliquin also was happy that the town received the funding.
“Our heroic firefighters must have the tools they need to perform their duties and keep our communities safe,” he said in a written statement. “This is significant and welcome support for our brave firefighters in Houlton and I am very pleased with this announcement.”
The funds were awarded through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The grant program was created to help provide funds for fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations so they can purchase equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel.
