Carbon seeks $1.6M grant for fire center

Carbon County is hoping to secure $1.6 million in state funds to help complete the fire training tower and police training building project in Nesquehoning.

On Thursday, the county commissioners ratified an application for a $1,673,992 grant through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for phase 1B, the construction of the buildings as part of the multiuse fire training facility project.

The money, if the county is successful, will finish out the costs for phase 1B, which is anticipated to cost around $3.6 million, Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein said.

Last month, the commissioners applied for extensions for $885,619 in state grants the county has received for the estimated $10 million project on the Broad Mountain.

Phase 1A, the widening of Emergency Lane to accommodate firetrucks, is being done by Bruce George Paving at a cost of $811,869.85 and is expected to be completed by May 31.

The facility, once completed, will provide fire departments with live fire training sites, a drill tower and other training necessities, as well as give police, county departments and EMS classroom and training options that normally are completed in other counties.

It will be located on the ground surrounding the Emergency Management Agency/911 Communications Center.