Press Releases

LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson, Fire Chief Greg Lagoy, and local officials to celebrate the arrival of three new emergency response vehicles purchased with $1,800,410 in federal funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“When we passed the American Rescue Plan, it was about supporting families in need and strengthening our communities for the long haul,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “This investment in Gardner’s emergency response fleet is exactly the kind of smart, forward-looking use of federal funds we envisioned. 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.”

“Thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act, 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. I want to sincerely thank Congresswoman Trahan for her unwavering support and advocacy for the City of Gardner, and for her partnership in helping secure and put these funds to work for our community.”

Thanks to Trahan’s support for the American Rescue Plan, 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 – was allocated to upgrade the City’s emergency response fleet, including the purchase of:

·       A new Fire Rescue Truck: $850,000

·       A new Fire Engine: $650,410

·       A new Ambulance: $300,000

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.

“The Gardner Fire Department would like to thank Congresswoman Trahan for supporting the American Rescue Plan,” said Chief Gregory F. Lagoy. “This funding provided the City the ability to purchase much-needed, reliable, up-to-date equipment for our firefighters. 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.

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