More than $600,000 in grant money has been awarded in Pennsylvania’s 102nd District to support parks, paving projects, and fire departments seeking new technology. This funding is sourced from the Local Share Account grants, which are financed through the Commonwealth Financing Authority via slot machine gaming.
Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) stated, “I ensured when Pennsylvania’s gaming laws were rewritten in 2017 that Lebanon County would continuously and directly benefit, as that was my No. 1 priority for my friends and neighbors.” He emphasized that these projects will significantly impact the quality of life in Lebanon County.
Diamond collaborated with Sen. Chris Gebhard (Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon) to advocate for these initiatives. Gebhard noted, “Being able to purchase lifesaving equipment and enhance recreational opportunities in Lebanon County without using taxpayer money is a serious win.”
The grants allocated within the 102nd District include:
– Bethel Township received $25,000 for a sprinkler system at Lions Park.
– Annville-Cleona Fire Department obtained $25,000 for thermal imaging cameras and an industrial fan.
– Cleona Parks & Recreation was granted $65,000 for renovations at Cleona Community Park.
– Schaefferstown Volunteer Fire Co. received $25,447 for new rescue tools.
– Keystone Hook and Ladder Co. got $58,927 for a digital fire extinguisher training system.
– Lebanon Valley Rails-to-Trails Inc. secured $90,414 for trail maintenance equipment.
– Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Co. was awarded $25,000 for various tools.
– Bellegrove Fire Co. received $25,250 to repave its parking lot.
– Neptune Fire Co. obtained $25,373 to retrofit a pumper truck.
– Union Township was given $69,514 for infrastructure improvements on Campmeeting Road.
– Bunker Hill Fire Co. received $25,194 for equipment upgrades.
Bunker Hill Fire Chief Rick Kreitzer expressed his gratitude: “I am overwhelmed and so happy to receive this grant.” He mentioned that it would fund new equipment for their incoming pumper truck.
