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GARDNER — On Wednesday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Mayor Mike Nicholson, Fire Chief Greg Lagoy, and other local officials celebrated the arrival of three new emergency response vehicles, purchased with $1,800,410 in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
“This investment in Gardner’s emergency response fleet is exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking use of federal funds we envisioned,” said U.S. Rep. Trahan. “I’m proud to stand with Mayor Nicholson and Chief Lagoy today to celebrate these new vehicles and the incredible first responders who will use them to save lives.”
The city of Gardner received over $6.1 million in federal relief to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and invest in critical local needs. A portion of that funding — just over $1.8 million secured by U.S. Rep. Trahan — was allocated to upgrade the city’s emergency response fleet, including the purchase of:
• Fire Rescue Truck: $850,000
• Fire Engine: $650,410
• Ambulance: $300,000
“We were able to make a historic investment in our public safety departments — providing them with the critical tools and equipment they need to serve our community safely and effectively,” said Mayor Nicholson. “This level of investment, including the purchase of a new fire engine, rescue vehicle, ambulance, and several hybrid police cruisers, would not have been possible without this federal support. These upgrades will serve our residents for years to come.”
These investments will enhance the City’s emergency response capabilities and ensure Gardner’s first responders have the equipment they need to keep residents safe.
“This funding provided the City the ability to purchase much-needed, reliable, up-to-date equipment for our firefighters,” said Chief Gregory F. Lagoy. “These new vehicles replaced three well-worn apparatus, including a 1996 vintage Heavy Rescue Truck.”
In addition to this public safety investment, Gardner has used $1.7 million in ARPA funding to launch a small business grant program that has supported numerous local establishments still recovering from the pandemic.
-Office of Congresswoman Lori Trahan
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