Senator Regola presents $65k to Adamsburg VFD

Grants to ease Turnpike bridge closures’ impact, improve facilities

State Senator Bob Regola yesterday (Sunday, February 11) presented two checks totaling $65,000 to the Adamsburg Volunteer Fire Department.

A $50,000 state grant was awarded to the department to cover half the anticipated costs of building a new emergency services station to address safety concerns raised by the closure of four local bridges over the Turnpike.

A separate $15,000 grant will go towards needed improvements to the Department’s existing building.

The Adamsburg VFD is preparing for the imminent closure and replacement of four bridges (Eisaman Road, Seanor Church Road, Liberty Hill Road and Wentsler Avenue) over the Turnpike. Senator Regola said concerns about the bridge closures’ impact on response times for emergency responders led him to work to secure the state funding. The $110 million turnpike widening and improvement project, between the Irwin and New Stanton exits, is scheduled to run until 2010.

“The new satellite station will hopefully address serious concerns in the community that the closure of those bridges would adversely affect response times during emergencies. I was pleased to be able to secure this state grant to complement funds provided by the Turnpike that will help the Adamsburg VFD put the equipment in place to address emergencies during the construction period,” Senator Regola said.

The $15,000 grant will be used to replace an aging, leaking roof at the fire station and repair water damage to the ceiling of the rental hall and meeting room.

“The roof was 30 years old and had a number of leaks, which caused significant damage,” Senator Regola said. “This grant will help the department replace the roof and make the necessary repairs.”

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 Contact:    Katie Morgan  (724) 600-7002