Northern Schuylkill communities get $444,500 in community facilities grants

GIRARDVILLE – Three area communities are receiving a share of $444,500 in community facilities grants from the USDA.

The federal agency, through its Rural Development arm, announced the grants earlier today.

Girardville is receiving a $158,000 Community Facilities Disaster grant, along with a $49,500 Community Facilities Loan to replace the roof of borough hall.

According to the USDA, “the building’s roof needs to be replaced due to significant deterioration. The improvements are needed to sustain the structure and life cycle of the municipal building.”

The grant funding will also replace a 15-year-old backhoe.

Also receiving a grant is East Union Township, in the amount of $7,600 along with a $40,700 loan, to purchase a police car.

The funding will add a car to the East Union Township Police Department’s fleet of two vehicles, and “will allow the department to provide more reliable service to the community and a safer work environment for the officers.”

Mahanoy City will also receive a $141,200 grant with a $47,500 loan to purchase a police vehicle and dump truck.

“The patrol vehicle will allow the department to provide more reliable service,” the USDA said. “The streets department needs the new dump truck since multiple vehicles in its current fleet are becoming too costly to maintain and also nearing the end of their useful lives.”

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