A mutually beneficial agreement has been reached between West Penn Township and its fire company over shale.

After an executive session, township supervisors Monday morning ratified an agreement between the West Penn Township Fire Department and the township.

Before the vote, board Chairman Tony Prudenti explained why the agreement makes sense.

“We’re running out of shale, and it goes right through the fire company’s property,” Prudenti said. “We’d like to make a deal with the fire company to pull out the shale, and we’ll maintain the lawn.”

Prudenti said the arrangement would behoove both parties.

“It benefits both of us,” he said. “The shale is being used on the gravel roads which we get a grant for.”

Supervisor Tim Houser said that South Whitehall Township has given West Penn all of the millings that got placed over the shale, and added “it’s a win-win for the township.”

In a related matter, Prudenti lauded township roadmaster Jeremy Frable for his hard work in securing a litany of grants for the township.

For his part, Frable estimated that he was able to secure a little more than $200,000 in grants over the past year.

Prudenti said that on average, it’s probably around $100,000 to $150,000.

“He’s saved our township millions of dollars,” Prudenti said.