PARIS – The Paris Fire Department will receive a federal boost, Sen. Susan Collins announced Wednesday.

The department will receive $65,973 from the Department of Homeland Security. The funds are provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, or FIRE Act. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Web site, the grants are administered through FEMA’s National Preparedness Directorate in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration.

The grants aim to improve the effectiveness of fire departments and associated programs, as well as fund the purchase of new equipment.

Collins said the department will receive funding through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the department’s facilities.

Attempts to contact the Paris Fire Department were unsuccessful Wednesday. At the Paris town meeting in June, the Fire Department’s annual budget was approved for $198,925.