The Schuylkill County Commissioners this week praised the response of emergency personnel to a gas leak Tuesday morning that closed Route 61 between Frackville and Saint Clair until sometime Wednesday where the Frackville Grade project is going on.

Commissioners’ Chairman Larry Padora said a gas line was hit during the construction project.

“It was UGI’s fault,” Padora said. “I’d like to commend our emergency personnel for responding so quickly to keep everyone safe.”

Commissioner Gary Hess said the emergency is a good example of how county emergency personnel are ready at all times for any emergency.

“Whenever there is an emergency, they step right in,” Hess said, “You never know when an incident will happen.”

The Frackville Grade project is a $115 million project to improve 4.2 miles of Route 61 between Terry Rich Boulevard at the Coal Creek Commerce Center in Frackville and Mall Road in Frackville near Interstate 81.

At their work session, the commissioners also proclaimed the week of May 12-19 as National Skilled Nursing Care Week in the county.

The proclamation was presented to Daniel Daub, administrator of the Schuylkill Center, a skilled nursing facility in Pottsville.

‘”There are 13 different licensed skilled nursing facilities in the county that provide housing for our citizens,” Daub said. “These facilities employ thousands of dedicated caregivers who provide care and attention to those in need.”

The proclamation “encourages all community members to recognize and participate in activities and events. This week is a testament to the essential role that skilled nursing care plays in our communities and the lives of many individuals and their families.”