May. 14, 2020
HARRISBURG — Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Upper Mount Bethel) today announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved $205,000 in grant funding to fire departments in Upper Mount Bethel Township. These grants were fully funded by gaming revenues from the Northampton County Local Share Account (LSA). No tax dollars are used to fund this program.
“These grants are long overdue, and they will significantly enhance public safety and emergency response in the Slate Belt,” said Emrick. “It was my pleasure to secure this well-deserved funding for the selfless and hardworking firefighters who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”
Those departments receiving grants are:
• Upper Mount Bethel Fire Company –
$144,000.
• North Bangor Fire Company –
$61,000.
Upper Mount Bethel Fire Company will use this funding to purchase two Quick Response Service (QRS) vehicles on behalf of itself and North Bangor Fire Company.
“This funding is a godsend for the residents of Upper Mount Bethel Township,” said Chief Chris Finan. “I want to thank Rep. Emrick and township staff for their support and hard work.”
North Bangor Fire Company will use its grant funds to purchase a generator to allow the firehouse to be used as an emergency shelter. This generator will allow North Bangor Fire Company to keep the firehouse open to the community during power outages and times of emergency.
“When the power goes out at the fire hall, it’s often out for days,” said Chief Todd Pinto. This new generator will be able to power our facilities so they may be used as an evacuation center in the event of a natural disaster, and the QRS vehicle will be invaluable in assuring a rapid response to emergencies. The North Bangor Fire Company thanks Rep. Emrick for helping to secure this crucial funding.”
The 137th Legislative District encompasses the townships of Forks, Lower Mount Bethel, parts of Palmer, Upper Mount Bethel, Upper Nazareth and Washington. It also contains the boroughs of Bangor, East Bangor, Nazareth, Portland, Roseto, Stockertown and Tatamy.
Representative Joe Emrick
137th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717-260-6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepEmrick.com / Facebook.com/RepEmrick