Governor Rell: Stimulus Funds Available

for Local Fire Department Construction Projects

Encourages Fire Chiefs to Apply for Grants

Aimed at “Shovel-Ready” Station Construction

(Listen to Gov. Rell)

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she has written to fire chiefs around the state to inform them of $210 million in competitive federal stimulus grants that will be available for local fire station construction and renovation.

“Connecticut has a long and proud tradition with volunteer and professional firefighting. Resources are traditionally committed to much-needed life-saving equipment with little left over for capital improvements,” Governor Rell said. “These grants can help local departments advance their ‘shovel-ready’ projects while creating construction jobs that will put money back in their local economies.”

The Governor said he grants will be offered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).  The application process is expected to begin in August and the Governor said the state will offer technical assistance to help local fire departments with the federal application process.

“I hope this early notification will give you ample time to submit a winning application,” the Governor wrote in her recent letter. “My administration is committed to ensuring that the state, municipalities, non-profit grounds and others receive all the stimulus funds for which we are eligible. We are in challenging economic times, but we are in this together.”

The Governor said the guidelines for the grant will be posted on the state’s official stimulus Web site as soon as the federal government makes them available. To access the site, visit www.ct.gov and click on the CT Recovery link.