Submitted photo
City Hook and Ladder is the recipient of a $500,000 grant that will be used to upgrade electrical and HVAC services.

LEWISTOWN — City Hook and Ladder will receive $500,000 in Local Share Account funding to support upgrades to electrical and HVAC systems at the City Fire House in Lewistown, according to a release issued Friday by Downtown Lewistown Inc.

The funding was announced by Sen. Judy Ward and Rep. Kerry Benninghoff and will be administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Commonwealth Financing Authority. The funds are intended to support infrastructure improvements at the fire station following the consolidation of borough fire services.

“These funds will be utilized to upgrade electrical and HVAC service at the City Fire House,” City Hook and Ladder Capt. Ryan Barlett said. The improvements are aimed at maintaining the facility as an operational fire station while addressing building systems that support equipment and personnel.

The Local Share Account program is a statewide grant program funded through gaming revenues and is designed to support public infrastructure and community improvement projects. The grant was awarded through a competitive application process sponsored by the Borough of Lewistown.

Benninghoff said the LSA program helps municipalities address infrastructure needs. “The statewide LSA grant program is a vital tool for municipalities as they seek to improve or repair infrastructure,” he said. He noted the projects selected for funding are intended to improve the quality of life in local communities.

Ward said the funding addresses infrastructure, public safety and essential services. “The statewide Local Share Account grant program provides a financially responsible and affordable way for our local governments to make necessary improvements to their community and increase the quality of life,” she said.

Lewistown Borough Council President Matt Moore said the project aligns with changes made following the consolidation of the borough fire department. He said the borough has focused on housing equipment and staff at two existing stations.

“With the consolidation of the Borough Fire Department, we have focused on housing equipment and personnel at the two existing stations, and these funds will direct significant upgrades to the City, allowing the fire company to stay at this landmark building for years to come,” Moore said. He added that the council sponsored the application and supported the project.

Mifflin County Commissioner Rob Postal acknowledged the award and its impact on emergency services.

“Our first responders and volunteers aren’t looking for recognition or awards, but the Commissioners sincerely appreciate support for their efforts and dedication,” Postal said. He said emergency responders require functional buildings and equipment to respond to emergencies.

Terry Foster, president of Downtown Lewistown Inc., said the organization worked alongside municipal and county partners to support the project. He said contributions from businesses, industry and individuals helped position the project for state investment.

Jim Zubler, executive director of Downtown Lewistown Inc., said the borough’s sponsorship of the LSA application was critical because funding for infrastructure upgrades of this type is limited. He also cited the borough’s Main Street Matters designation as a factor in prioritizing state investment tied to downtown planning efforts.

“The Main Street Matters designation for the Borough is key, prioritizing state investment tied to our downtown transformational strategy,” Zubler said. He said additional investments could follow as a result of securing the designation.

Zubler also acknowledged technical assistance provided during the application process. He said Mathias Miller of Penn State Construction and Adam Shamenek of Shamenek Engineering contributed pro bono expertise by preparing project estimates. He also recognized advocacy efforts related to both the Main Street Matters designation and the LSA funding.

The funding will support improvements intended to extend the usability of the City Fire House while supporting fire service operations in the borough. No construction timeline was included in the announcement.

Downtown Lewistown Inc. said the award reflects coordination among local, county and state entities involved in the application process. The organization serves as a nonprofit partner focused on downtown development and revitalization efforts in Lewistown.

The release did not specify when work on the upgrades is expected to begin or whether additional funding sources will be required to complete the project.