Sanford Secures $5 Million Federal Investment for New Fire-EMS Facilities

The City of Sanford is pleased to announce the approval of $5.0 million in federal funding to support the construction of two new public safety facilities for the Sanford Fire and EMS Department, including a new Fire and EMS Headquarters and Springvale Sub-Station.

The funding was advanced through the federal Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process and included in the Fiscal Year 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) appropriations legislation. The appropriations package has passed both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives and is now awaiting the President’s signature as the final step before becoming law.

The City confirmed the $5.0 million award will directly offset a portion of the locally authorized ­­construction costs previously approved by Sanford voters through referendum.

Sanford’s Public Safety Facilities project is intended to address long-standing deficiencies in the City’s existing fire stations, which are 50 and 100 years old, and cannot be retrofitted to meet modern safety, health, and accessibility standards.

“This $5.0 million federal investment advances two modern Fire-EMS facilities that will strengthen emergency response while improving firefighter safety through updated code compliance and reduced carcinogenic exposure,” said Sanford City Manager Steven R. Buck.

The new facilities are designed, to meet modern National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. They will improve firefighter safety by reducing exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens, enhance response times, support regional mutual aid, expand training capacity, and enable a Community Paramedicine Program.

As a regional service provider, Sanford Fire and EMS also supports surrounding communities through emergency response and coordinated public safety operations across Southern Maine.

“There is an enormous need to update fire stations throughout the State of Maine to ensure both the safety of our brave first responders and our communities,” said U.S. Senator Susan Collins. “As the Chair of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to secure this important funding, which will help to improve public safety efforts and emergency response services for the people of Sanford for years to come.”

The City of Sanford expressed its sincere appreciation to U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for her leadership and steadfast support in advancing Sanford’s request through the federal appropriations process. City officials noted that Senator Collins’ advocacy was instrumental in securing federal support for this essential public safety investment.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Susan M. Collins for championing this request through the Congressionally Directed Spending process, helping secure critical funding that will offset costs previously authorized by Sanford voters as the bill now awaits the President’s signature,” said Sanford Mayor Becky Brink.