Schuylkill County has recently received $4 million toward a proposed Emergency Operations Center.
The cost of the project is expected to be about $5 million. County officials have set aside $1 million in the remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds for the same project.
“This funding will greatly support the training of firefighters, our emergency management team, and numerous other first responders. I believe it’s a fantastic development for our county and the surrounding areas, benefiting a multitude of organizations that can make use of this facility. From first responders to local businesses, everyone can utilize this facility for secure emergency training tailored to their needs,” Schuylkill County Commissoners Chairman Larry Padora says in a statement.
Most recently, US Rep. Dan Meuser (PA-9) secured $2 million from the FY24 Appropriations legislation for this project.
“I’m happy to have secured $2 million for Schuylkill County to build a cutting-edge Emergency Operations Center. This state-of-the-art facility will greatly enhance the county’s ability to respond to emergencies and provide crucial backup support to its 911 response team. This investment is essential to providing top-tier emergency services throughout Schuylkill County and safeguarding our region’s residents,” Meuser says in a statement.
At the end of March. US Sen. Bob Casey also announced another $2 million for the same project.
The Emergency Operations Center is proposed to be built in West Mahanoy and Rush townships. It would be a 5,120-square foot facility and house Schuylkill County’s Emergency Management offices, an operations center, and an IT room.
Commissioner Boots Hetherington says, “Witnessing the recent decline in emergency operations volunteer numbers in several other Pennsylvania counties only underscores the significance of this endeavor for us. With the establishment of this new facility, Schuylkill County is going to enhance its emergency response capabilities, ensuring better service and protection for our community and its residents
This center would be adjacent to the County’s fire training grounds.
“Strengthening our volunteer emergency services is essential, and as commissioners, our foremost responsibility is ensuring public safety. The new emergency operations center will guarantee a prompt response to emergencies and ensure there is always someone to answer the call,” Commissioner Gary Hess says.
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