HARRISBURG, PA — Five rural Pennsylvania communities and organizations will receive nearly $2.9 million in federal grants for emergency services, health care, education and public-facility upgrades expected to serve more than 30,000 residents, according to USDA Rural Development.
The funding through USDA’s Community Facilities program will support projects in Centre, Clinton, Montour, Elk and Lycoming counties, ranging from a fire station expansion to new hospital and vocational-training equipment.
The largest award, $1.3 million, will go to the Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company to renovate and expand its existing station. The project includes a 3,700-square-foot addition with physical-training space, firefighter living quarters, upgraded restrooms and showers, and a new public vestibule.
USDA said the project is intended to support recruitment and retention of first responders and fire and emergency medical services for 4,975 residents of Old Lycoming Township and surrounding communities.
Danville Borough will receive $1 million to renovate the Danville Area Community Center. Plans call for reconfigured interior space to expand child care services, along with upgraded fitness areas, community rooms and restrooms.
The Danville project is expected to serve 4,239 residents.
Bucktail Medical Center will receive $262,470 for new inpatient beds, radiology equipment and electrical work needed to support the equipment. The upgrades will replace older equipment at the critical access hospital serving western Clinton County, an area with about 3,300 residents.
The next-closest medical facility is more than 40 minutes away and does not provide inpatient services, according to USDA.
St. Marys Area School District was approved for $191,117 to modernize equipment used in its Machine Tool Technology Course. The project also includes a new egress door to accommodate larger machinery and electrical upgrades needed for the equipment.
USDA said the improvements will allow students to train on current manufacturing equipment and processes. The project is expected to benefit nearly 18,500 people.
Howard Fire Company No. 1 Inc. will receive $98,653 to purchase a River Raptor XTR 1860 rescue boat and accessories, providing updated rescue equipment for Howard Borough and surrounding Centre County communities.
“These projects support emergency and medical services equipment purchases and community and educational centers renovations and upgrades,” USDA Rural Development Pennsylvania State Director Chris Hoffman said.
USDA’s Community Facilities programs provide direct loans, loan guarantees and grants for essential public services and facilities in rural communities.
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