Press Releases

$137,000 available for training, emergency plans to deal with hazardous materials

Representatives Mike Michaud and Chellie Pingree said today that the federal government is making over $137,000 available to local first responders to help them better prepare for accidents involving oil or chemical spills.

"The recent disaster just across the border in Quebec is a stark reminder of the need for communities to be prepared to deal with a hazardous material spill. If an accident happens, it's the local first responders who are called on to minimize the damage and keep the public safe, and the more training they have the betterable they are to do that important job," Michaud said.

"Local budgets are tight and this funding helps first responders get the training they need without asking local taxpayers to foot the bill," Pingree said. "All of this funding comes from fees paid by hazmat shippers who move oil or chemicals through our state."

The funding comes from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration, and is entirely from registration fees paid by hazmat shippers.

Local communities that wish to apply for funding should contact the Maine Emergency Management Agency.