USDA Invests $6.2 Million to Help Two Maine Towns Build a Fire Station and a Public Works Building
AUGUSTA, Maine — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development agency said on November 10 that the Maine towns of Solon and Belgrade are modernizing critical public safety infrastructure with a combined $6.2 million investment through its Community Facilities Programs: $4.7 million for a new fire station in Belgrade and $1.5 million for a new public works building in Solon.
In Belgrade, emergency responses have historically relied on equipment spread across three aging facilities, which made coordinated response more difficult and increased maintenance burdens. The new 14,413-square-foot fire station will consolidate operations into one centralized location, with eight drive-through bays, training and meeting rooms, modern bunk quarters and office space, and updated utilities and stormwater infrastructure. After visiting the town and speaking with the fire chief, USDA Rural Development Maine State Director John Butera said the agency's mission is to help communities build the infrastructure they rely on every day, and that the new station is a strong example of that commitment.
Solon's existing public works garage lacks sufficient space, restroom facilities, and structural stability, for a department responsible for road maintenance, snow removal, and essential municipal operations. The new single-story building will include seven truck bays, a dedicated lunchroom and break area, office and storage rooms, and a mezzanine for additional operational capacity, so the public works team can keep maintaining essential rural infrastructure through Maine winters.
During his visit to Solon, Butera said building modern infrastructure today means rural communities are better prepared for tomorrow, and that Solon and Belgrade are great examples of towns planning and investing wisely.
USDA Rural Development said the two investments share a common goal of improving public safety and quality of life in rural communities, and that the agency provides resources that help towns build strong foundations for future generations.
(Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于缅因州 Augusta 的缅因州议会大厦（CC BY-SA 2.0，Wikimedia Commons）。 / Image: The Maine State House in Augusta, Maine (CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons).
