Middlefield Seeks $2.2 Million In Federal Funding For Firehouse

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — A new Middlefield firehouse has been included in a list of projects for consideration in the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. If approved, the town would receive $2.2 million for a new firehouse, according to a statement.

The structure will be a central facility for the Middlefield Volunteer Fire Department, as well as a location for the town to direct emergency efforts and response.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-3) is chair of the House Appropriations Committee, which sets federal spending.

First Selectman Robert Yamartino thanked DeLauro in a statement. “As the process moves forward in Congress, we are grateful to all who worked to make this grant application a success. A grant of this size will go a long way toward funding one of the largest projects undertaken by Middlefield."

He added, “There is broad support in our community for this Firehouse, as demonstrated by the amount of letters received from businesses and community leaders. Our town is a small, rural community supported by many volunteers, including our essential 45 volunteer firefighters. It means a great deal knowing that we have the support of Rosa DeLauro and our congressional delegation.”

Yamartino also thanked Selectman Jim Irish, who solicited letters of support from local businesses; Fire Chief Pete Tyc who sought letters from the mutual aid community; and town of Middlefield staff. He extended his gratitude to the Firehouse Building Committee for its support and all of the members of the community who reached out with letters of support.