BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded over $41 million in grants Thursday — and the cities of Bethlehem and Easton were on the receiving end.
The goal, according to a news release from the U.S. DOT is "to support first responders and help enhance pipeline and hazardous materials safety programs at the community level for 11 different safety programs."
The financing also makes up more than a 50% increase in funding toward a grant for firefighter safety for the two cities.
Tristan Brown, Deputy Administrator for the U.S. DOT's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) said the funds are focused on supporting "the people and organizations" who respond to pipeline and hazardous material accidents.
"Whether it’s training firefighters on how to deal with hazardous materials emergencies or encouraging the use of calling 811 to prevent injuries from encounters with underground infrastructure, these grants are essential for equipping communities and everyday citizens with the necessary tools to protect themselves from potentially dangerous accidents," Brown said.
Over $32 million went toward national grants to bolster state and local hazardous materials programs. Another $9.2 million will provide grant funding for pipeline safety programs.
Local impacts
Through those programs, $2.4 million will go toward Pipeline Emergency Response grants (PEMG) "to support incident response activities related to the transportation of gas or hazardous liquids by pipelines, including the training of emergency responders to respond to pipeline incidents."
The City of Bethlehem and the City of Easton were both awarded money through PEMG. Bethlehem received $74,481 and the Easton received $79,197.
According to the PHMSA Grants document, which includes a list of grant recipients, Forks Township Fire Department also received $33,135 from the Pipeline Safety Technical Assistance Grant. This grant was awarded to thirteen local groups from six different states, with the Forks Township Fire Department being the only recipient in Pennsylvania.
The U.S. DOT release acknowledged the grant announcements come shortly following the PHMSA’s new requirements for freight railroads nationwide, which provide information about hazardous materials involved in train derailments.
The Lehigh Valley saw two train derailments this year — one in early March and one last month. Neither were carrying hazardous materials.
