More than $600,000 in grants have been allocated this week to support parks, paving, public works projects, and fire departments in the 102nd District. The funding is provided through Local Share Account grants, which are sourced from slot machine gaming revenue rather than tax dollars.
Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon) emphasized the significance of these funds for Lebanon County. “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 stated. He further added that these projects would enhance the quality of life in various ways throughout the county.
Diamond worked alongside Sen. Chris Gebhard (Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon) to advocate for these initiatives. Gebhard noted the benefits of using gaming proceeds instead of taxpayer money: “Being able to purchase lifesaving equipment and enhance recreational opportunities in Lebanon County without using taxpayer money is a serious win.”
The specific allocations include:
– Bethel Township will receive $25,000 for a sprinkler system at Lions Park’s Little League field.
– Annville-Cleona Fire Department has been granted $25,000 for two thermal imaging cameras and an industrial fan.
– Cleona Parks & Recreation will use $65,000 for renovations at Cleona Community Park’s amphitheater and mini golf course.
– Schaefferstown Volunteer Fire Co. is set to receive $25,447 for new rescue tools.
– Keystone Hook and Ladder Co. has been awarded $58,927 for a digital fire extinguisher training system and additional equipment.
– Lebanon Valley Rails-to-Trails Inc. will utilize $90,414 for trail maintenance equipment including a small dump truck and trailer.
– Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Co. is allocated $25,000 for tools like a power cutter.
– Bellegrove Fire Co.’s grant of $25,250 will be used to repave its parking lot.
– Neptune Fire Co.’s grant of $25,373 will retrofit a pumper truck with new equipment.
– Union Township receives $69,514 to replace infrastructure along Campmeeting Road.
– Bunker Hill Fire Co., receiving $25,194 for firetruck equipment upgrades.
Bunker Hill Fire Chief Rick Kreitzer expressed gratitude: “I am overwhelmed and so happy to receive this grant,” he said regarding the new equipment expected next July.
