Oct. 22, 2024
HARRISBURG – More than $600,000 in grant money awarded this week in the 102nd District will support parks, paving and other public works initiatives, and fire companies seeking critical, new technology, according to Rep. Russ Diamond (R-Lebanon).
Local Share Account grants are funded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority via slot machine gaming, not tax dollars.
“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,” Diamond said. “These worthwhile projects will improve the quality of life in Lebanon County in ways both big and small. They’ll have significant impacts in our communities.”
Diamond partnered with Sen. Chris Gebhard (Berks/Lancaster/Lebanon) in advocating for the projects.
“Being able to purchase lifesaving equipment and enhance recreational opportunities in Lebanon County without using taxpayer money is a serious win. Because of the gaming proceeds, important purchases to improve the lives of county residents won’t be delayed,” Gebhard said.
Grants in the 102nd District include:
· Bethel Township, $25,000 for a sprinkler system at Lions Park for the Little League field.
· Annville-Cleona Fire Department, $25,000 for two thermal imaging cameras and one industrial fan.
· Cleona Parks & Recreation, $65,000 for renovations to the amphitheater and mini golf course at Cleona Community Park.
· Schaefferstown Volunteer Fire Co., $25,447 for new rescue tools to use at crash scenes.
· Keystone Hook and Ladder Co., $58,927 for purchasing and installing a digital fire extinguisher training system as well as additional equipment.
· Lebanon Valley Rails-to-Trails Inc., $90,414 for a small dump truck and trailer to use in trail maintenance.
· Newmanstown Volunteer Fire Co., $25,000 to purchase tools like a power cutter and lock-angle grinder.
· Bellegrove Fire Co., $25,250 to repave the parking lot for the department’s social hall.
· Neptune Fire Co., $25,373 to retrofit a pumper truck with new equipment.
· Union Township, $69,514 for replacing a culvert and guiderail along Campmeeting Road.
· Bunker Hill Fire Co., $25,194 for new hose, a thermal imaging camera and other equipment for a firetruck.
“I am overwhelmed and so happy to receive this grant,” Bunker Hill Fire Chief Rick Kreitzer said. “It will go toward new equipment for our new pumper truck coming to Swatara Township next July. This is invaluable to our community.”
Representative Russ Diamond
102nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives