University of Maine opens new biomass boiler

May 29, 2012, Washington, DC – During a special ceremony in Fort Kent, a letter from Senator Susan Collins was read
commending the University of Maine at Fort Kent for its dedication to
renewable energy. UMKF has officially cut the ribbon on a new biomass boiler
that will be used to heat the Lodge, which is the University's largest
residence hall, and the UMFK Sports Center. 

Senator Collins fought to secure the federal
funding that the Maine Department of Conservation awarded to the
University of Maine at Fort Kent to help install this new biomass
heating system, which is expected to save the campus nearly $1 million
in heating costs over the next decade.

"The biomass project you have completed, with
this $500,000 grant, will provide long term benefits to local jobs and
create an environmentally friendly system which will aide in the
sustainability of natural resources," Senator Collins wrote in the
letter.  "Through the combined hard work of many people, the University
has made this biomass system a reality.  Your completed project will be
the perfect role model for other communities and universities around
Maine."