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25 October 2024
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Fire stations of the world: Town of Corinna opens new fire station, Maine, US
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The Town of Corinna celebrated completion of its brand-new, five bay fire station. The project was funded primarily through a $1,7 million USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant awarded in fiscal year 2022 through the congressionally designated spending process. The town broke ground for the project on 31 July 2023. To mark the occasion, the town held a ribbon-cutting event that included remarks from guests, a flag-raising ceremony and an open house. Senators Angus King and Susan Collins advocated for the project. Senator Collins participated in the event, sharing remarks and cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson attended the Corinna ceremony. “The US Department of Agriculture may be a federal agency but here in Maine, our Rural Development staff live in communities just like Corinna. We understand the critical value of local fire stations. We know how important it is to ensure fire department staff and volunteers have a safe, comfortable place to gather, work and train,” said Director Hampson. “I live in Thomaston and I have staff across the state in communities like Newport, Winterport, Indian Island, Presque Isle and Lewiston. We are all glad to help bring federal dollars home to Maine to support projects such as this. USDA has funded many new fire stations around the state in the last few years, all examples of the Biden-Harris administration’s partnership in making rural communities attractive, economically viable and safe places to live and work.”
The former fire station in Corinna was built in 1952. It had room for three trucks, two small offices and minimal storage. Not only was it too small to accommodate modern equipment but the old structure had also sustained water damage and deterioration. Chief Alan Emerson recalled that in the old station, one of the trucks would only fit into the station sideways, squeezed into the very back. New trucks wouldn’t fit in the old station because the doors were too low. The space was so crowded that the firefighters struggled to find space to grab their gear and suit up when responding to emergencies. The roof and walls leaked and the bathroom facilities were minimal.
With help from volunteers, the 25-member, all-volunteer Corinna Fire Department moved into the station in late July 2024. The new facility has multiple storage bays to accommodate equipment such as pumper, tanker and forestry trucks, plus specialised equipment such as an all-terrain vehicle and future rescue boat. The new station also includes office space for the fire department officers as well as State Police and sheriffs who need to conduct work. The Department’s Emergency Medical Technicians also have work and storage areas. The new station has ample space with room for future needs.
Thanks to a grant from Firehouse Subs, one upcoming addition to the Department’s equipment will be a new side-by-side for year-round use. Firefighters will use it to fight grass and forest fires and for recreational rescues, such as snowmobile, ATV and hunting accidents.
One remaining priority for the Corinna Fire Department is the acquisition of a boat (14-16 feet) with a motor and trailer for water-based rescues. With multiple popular lakes and ponds in its service area, the Department has an increasing need for water access. They are seeking funding opportunities to purchase used equipment.
The Corinna Fire Department covers Exeter and has mutual aid agreements with Dexter, Newport, Garland, Corinth, St Albans, Hartland and Levant. The Department responds to emergencies further away as needed.
Fire Chief Allen Emerson directed praise to Town Manager Lois Jones. “She is 100% behind the fire department,” he said. “She got us this grant, and also got funding for new turnout gear, and the Firehouse Subs grant for the ATV. She has saved the taxpayers in this town a lot of money, and the Department now has the right gear and the space necessary to work.”
USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grants
The Corinna Fire Station project was championed as congressionally directed spending by Senator Collins but eligible rural communities may apply at any time to USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Programme. Public bodies, community-based nonprofits and federally-recognised tribes are eligible.
Sources: USDA Rural Development
USDA Rural Development Maine State Director Rhiannon Hampson attended the Corinna ceremony. “The US Department of Agriculture may be a federal agency but here in Maine, our Rural Development staff live in communities just like Corinna. We understand the critical value of local fire stations. We know how important it is to ensure fire department staff and volunteers have a safe, comfortable place to gather, work and train,” said Director Hampson. “I live in Thomaston and I have staff across the state in communities like Newport, Winterport, Indian Island, Presque Isle and Lewiston. We are all glad to help bring federal dollars home to Maine to support projects such as this. USDA has funded many new fire stations around the state in the last few years, all examples of the Biden-Harris administration’s partnership in making rural communities attractive, economically viable and safe places to live and work.”
The former fire station in Corinna was built in 1952. It had room for three trucks, two small offices and minimal storage. Not only was it too small to accommodate modern equipment but the old structure had also sustained water damage and deterioration. Chief Alan Emerson recalled that in the old station, one of the trucks would only fit into the station sideways, squeezed into the very back. New trucks wouldn’t fit in the old station because the doors were too low. The space was so crowded that the firefighters struggled to find space to grab their gear and suit up when responding to emergencies. The roof and walls leaked and the bathroom facilities were minimal.
With help from volunteers, the 25-member, all-volunteer Corinna Fire Department moved into the station in late July 2024. The new facility has multiple storage bays to accommodate equipment such as pumper, tanker and forestry trucks, plus specialised equipment such as an all-terrain vehicle and future rescue boat. The new station also includes office space for the fire department officers as well as State Police and sheriffs who need to conduct work. The Department’s Emergency Medical Technicians also have work and storage areas. The new station has ample space with room for future needs.
Thanks to a grant from Firehouse Subs, one upcoming addition to the Department’s equipment will be a new side-by-side for year-round use. Firefighters will use it to fight grass and forest fires and for recreational rescues, such as snowmobile, ATV and hunting accidents.
One remaining priority for the Corinna Fire Department is the acquisition of a boat (14-16 feet) with a motor and trailer for water-based rescues. With multiple popular lakes and ponds in its service area, the Department has an increasing need for water access. They are seeking funding opportunities to purchase used equipment.
The Corinna Fire Department covers Exeter and has mutual aid agreements with Dexter, Newport, Garland, Corinth, St Albans, Hartland and Levant. The Department responds to emergencies further away as needed.
Fire Chief Allen Emerson directed praise to Town Manager Lois Jones. “She is 100% behind the fire department,” he said. “She got us this grant, and also got funding for new turnout gear, and the Firehouse Subs grant for the ATV. She has saved the taxpayers in this town a lot of money, and the Department now has the right gear and the space necessary to work.”
USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grants
The Corinna Fire Station project was championed as congressionally directed spending by Senator Collins but eligible rural communities may apply at any time to USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Programme. Public bodies, community-based nonprofits and federally-recognised tribes are eligible.
Sources: USDA Rural Development
