Harmony EMS seeks funding for garage expansion, tap-in to public sewage
Facing a limited amount of space, Harmony EMS officials are taking steps toward upgrading their outdated facility.
During a recent meeting, Jackson Township supervisors authorized the submission of a $1 million Local Share Account grant application through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to fund a four-bay garage expansion. Since the agency can’t apply for funding on its own under state law, Jackson Township applied on its behalf.
“This is our third year of trying to get a grant for the garage extension,” said Lynn Curl, director of operations for Harmony EMS. “We’re hoping to have more success this time around.”
Curl said the additional space is essential to house more vehicles, reduce operational constraints and meet the community’s rising emergency needs.
Harmony EMS operates 12 vehicles, including five ambulances and seven wheelchair vans. However, the current garage only has six bays and ambulances must occupy those spaces when they’re not in service because of essential emergency equipment on board.
“Since the addition would have four bays, we’d be better equipped to house those vehicles inside more often,” Curl said. “And plus, that’s really all we have room for anyways.”
The nonprofit, which was started in 1991, currently resides at 102 Mennonite Lane in Jackson Township. While that location is equipped with electricity, Curl said there is no gas, making it more difficult to be operationally ready and refuel vehicles during times of emergency.
If the agency secured funding, Curl said officials would also pursue a tap-in to public sewage, a move that would better accommodate the more than two dozen employees who spend extended time at the facility when they’re not out in the field.
“It would be huge for us to be able to make those improvements,” Curl added. “Obviously, as an agency, we always want to be prepared in any situation and making those changes would allow us to do that while we continue to support the community and provide aid to those in need.”
Harmony EMS provides service to residents in 10 boroughs and townships, including Jackson, Lancaster, Connoquenessing, Forward and Franklin townships and Harmony, Zelienople and Evans City boroughs in Butler County; and Marion and New Sewickley townships in Beaver County.
