U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, PA-8th District, announced that $1 million for Chestnuthill Township is included in the Homeland Security Appropriations bill.

The money will be used to provide a new shared emergency services facility for 10 emergency service organizations in Monroe County.

The shared emergency services facility, sponsored by Chestnuthill Township, will be centrally located within the community, at the intersection of Route 715 and Firehouse Lane.

It will be an all-in-one facility for the West End Volunteer Fire Company, West End Community Ambulance Association and a Regional West End Emergency Operations Center that would serve Chestnuthill, Jackson, Eldred, Ross, Polk and Hamilton Townships. It would also provide an administrative backup location for the Monroe County Control Center and the Monroe County Office of Emergency Management.

“Our first responders need state-of-the-art facilities so they can focus on their number-one job: protecting Northeastern Pennsylvanians during emergencies,” said Cartwright. “This new facility is a smart investment in Monroe County’s public safety infrastructure, and I commend the county and township leaders for their vision. I’m proud to advocate for this federal funding to help this project get done.”

“Having a regional center will create cost savings, more timely aid to residents, and enhanced collaboration between the townships, and we are grateful for the opportunity to receive this funding,” David Albright, township manager, said.

“This all in one shared regional emergency services facility will meet the requirements of the PA Emergency Services Code for up to six municipalities in Monroe County. Furthermore, it will work to protect against, mitigate, respond to and recover from all emergency incidents within the 8th Congressional District.”

The 19,598-square foot building has 13,630 square feet dedicated to the fire department and 2,781 square feet dedicated to the township’s emergency operations. West End ambulances will be housed there.

The full Appropriations Committee will review the bill on July 13.