Palmerton has received $550,000 in federal funding to construct a new police station.

U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, a Republican, on Thursday announced he has secured more than $270 million in federal funding for projects across Pennsylvania, supporting critical needs and advancing key priorities throughout the commonwealth. The federal funds will support projects across public safety, infrastructure, education, health care, economic development and environmental restoration, giving Pennsylvanians the resources to improve critical services, advance opportunities, and enhance quality of life across the commonwealth.

On Friday morning, Palmerton Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said, “The borough is pleased with the positive outcome of the Congressionally Directed Spending request for funds toward the police station project.

“The borough is continuing its evaluation of the best course of action, said. We are grateful for the support our legislators have shown in our initiative.”

Canfield added, “We have not selected a location.”

Borough council in November 2024 approved a resolution for a $1 million Local Share Account Statewide grant for a new police station.

Funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which allots money to economic development projects that have a regional impact.

Borough council broke for a brief executive session during that meeting to discuss land matters. No action was taken when council returned.

The lot from the for- mer Palmerton Hospital has been discussed as a site.

John Nespoli, president of St. Luke’s Carbon, said in 2024 that St. Luke’s has committed to donating the land to the borough but details were still being worked out.

Canfield previously said council was looking at two tracts of land, but did not disclose specifics. Canfield said the borough looked at more than a dozen sites, but narrowed it down to two, which the borough has not disclosed.

Keystone Consulting Engineers has recommended new construction over repairing the station, located in a former New Jersey Zinc building at the corner of Delaware Avenue and Fourth Street.

Council member Kris Hoffner in 2024 suggested looking into the far-east end of the Northface Development in Palmerton, the site of the former New Jersey Zinc West Plant.

Council previously said the cost for a potential 5,000-square-foot building would be about $1 million.

The borough has been looking at the possibility of reclaiming space rented by the Carbon County Area Agency on Aging for use of its police department.

Police moved into the former lab building in 2000.