Town Saves On Emergency Equipment Through Grant

Amherst will only be paying half of the expected cost for new emergency generators thanks to a federal grant.

FEMA has granted $43,700 to the town through its Emergency Management Performance Grant. The two replacement generators will power necessary department buildings, such as EMS, DPW and Police/Fire, during emergency situations.

According to their website, the purpose of the grant is to "provide grants to states to assist state, local, tribal and territorial governments in preparing for all hazards." A total of $339,500,000 was available for these areas in FY 2012.

Amherst Fire Chief Mark Boynton, who submitted the grant, said that on the generators in March. With this grant, the money saved goes back to the bottom line and offsets tax costs.

These devices will be essential in the event of any extreme weather, such as the Snowtober storm that knocked out power in October last year.