Robert Menendez

Menendez Attends Groundbreaking for New Bayonne Firehouse

New Jobs, New Facility Made Possible Due to Recovery Act

October 22, 2012

BAYONNE, NJ – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today joined U.S. Representative Albio Sires (D-NJ-13), Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith, Bayonne Fire Department Chief Greg Rogers and Public Safety Director Jason O'Donnell to break ground on a new firehouse which was made possible by a $3.56 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s (ARRA) Fire Station Construction Grant (SCG) program. Currently, one Bayonne fire station is operating out of a large temporary tent.

"Today is a great day for Bayonne, a great day for New Jersey, and a great day for our first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe," said Senator Menendez, who advocated for the grant.  "It is also a great example of the success of the American Recovery Act,  which is funding this desperately needed new firehouse, creating construction jobs and giving our first responders the tools to do their jobs."

 
The SCG program was created by the ARRA to award grants to local fire departments for the construction and modernization of fire stations. Prior to this program, there were no federal funding opportunities to assist local fire stations with construction needs.  Senator Menendez supported both the ARRA and this grant application, and announced the funding award to the Bayonne Fire Department in 2009.  This award was the sixth largest in the nation.  

The new 15,000 square foot fire station will also serve as the training center for the Bayonne Fire Department. The station will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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