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For Immediate Release: September 24, 2009
Contact: Paul Mounds 860-278-8888
Larson: East Hartford Fire Department Receives Recovery Act Funding for the Construction of a New Fire Station
Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) announced that the East Hartford Fire Department will receive $3,394,679 in Recovery Act funding to support the construction of a new fire station. The funding was provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grants (SCG) program.
Congressman Larson supported the town’s grant application with a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), pointing out that the project met all of the requirements of an ideal Recovery Act Program. This project will immediately help create and save local jobs while the new fire station will support our first responders and give our local community the infrastructure it needs to grow and thrive for the long term. The project is also shovel ready, as the plan to rebuild Fire Station #5 has been in the works for more than five years. The town has already approved a project design and secured property to construct the new station.
“I am pleased to join with Mayor Melody Currey and Chief John Oates in presenting this grant to East Hartford and its fire department. Construction of a new fire station will greatly enhance the department’s capabilities to protect the well-being of the community and respond to emergencies,” said Congressman Larson.“Today’s announcement is further evidence of the Recovery Act’s success in placing our nation on the path towards economic stability. This is truly a shovel-ready project that fulfills the economic goals outlined in the Recovery Act for job creation and public safety improvements.”
"The East Hartford Fire Department is comprised of 130 members who are proud to serve the residents and visitors of the community every day. The construction of a new Fire Station 5 in the southwest portion of East Hartford will allow us to better serve the community," said East Hartford Fire Chief John H. Oates."The success of this grant application does not solely lie on the shoulders of one person. Many individuals provided information, data, and guidance through the process. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Larson who assisted us with the development of a successful grant application."
The Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grant Program is available to fire departments nationwide on a competitive basis to fund the building of new or modify existing fire stations. The program is administered by DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with the U.S. Fire Administration’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program Office.
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