Township Will Seek Gaming Grant for Fire Truck

Bethlehem Township plans to seek funds to buy a new rescue truck for the Bethlehem Township Fire Co., two new police cars, a new ambulance and new medical rescue equipment when it applies to the county gaming revenue board this year.

Township Commissioners voted Monday night to authorize the Township Manager Howard Kutzler to apply for a number of grants on the township’s behalf.

The Northampton County Gaming Revenue and Economic Redevelopment Authority is preparing to consider grants from its committed funds budget for this year. These funds are meant to help communities contiguous to Bethlehem where the is located and impacts from increased traffic and emergency services might be felt most acutely.

At this point, the township has prioritized a new fire rescue truck, two new police cars, a new ambulance and an automated defibrillator, though the ordinance was crafted to be flexible to allow for other items. The applications are due on Aug. 1.

The equipped fire rescue truck alone currently has an estimated cost of $755,000 attached to it, Kutzler said.