Burns obtains $220K for Cover Hill fire station renovation, equipment
Shaves ‘5 to 10 years’ off projected timetable for ADA compliance
Rep. Frank Burns September 16, 2024 | 9:51 AM
EBENSBURG, Sept. 16 – Challenging any attempt to downplay his role in obtaining state grants, state Rep. Frank Burns is announcing his success in obtaining $220,000 for Cover Hill Volunteer Fire Co. to renovate its fire station and bring it into ADA compliance.
Burns, D-Cambria, said he delivered money to renovate restrooms and upgrade the entrance to the building from the upper parking lot, making both ADA compliant. The grant Burns secured will also purchase a new emergency generator to power the whole building, which is designated an emergency shelter, and to replace 40-year-old hydraulic tools used by the fire department.
“I’ll tell you how this happened: By me attending the Cover Hill VFC spaghetti dinner fundraisers, and taking the time to learn about their plans for improving their facility,” Burns said. “I also spoke at their banquet, where I told them I’m working on getting the funding. Then I delivered.
“If anyone wants to know the degree of my involvement, they should talk to someone at the fire company, because they know the truth.”
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“Frank Burns was very vital in getting us this funding. Since he became our representative, he’s worked with us quite a bit. We’ve seen his presence in the community.” – President William Scherer, Cover Hill Volunteer Fire Co.
William Scherer, president of Cover Hill VFC, verified the critical role Burns played in getting state funding to upgrade the too-small restrooms and fix the uneven transition from the parking lot to the building, which was constructed in 1924.
“When it comes to handicap accessibility, we know that there’s an issue for disabled people,” Scherer said. “Since Frank has become our local rep. (through the last redistricting), he’s attended functions at the fire station. I talked to him, checking to see if we would qualify for any grant money, and he’s been working with us pretty close at hand to secure the funding.
“Without Frank’s help at this time, these projects would not be happening. With a limited budget, the money that we do make in fundraisers is going toward paying off a used rescue pumper vehicle. Without this (grant), it would be 5 to 10 years down the road before this work could be done.”
Scherer said the Cover Hill VFC – which covers 12 square miles comprised of Conemaugh Township and Daisytown Borough, and has about two dozen core members – is thankful for Burns’ attention and continued collaboration.
“Frank was very vital in getting us this funding. Since he became our representative, he’s worked with us quite a bit,” Scherer said. “We’ve seen his presence in the community. He’s attended fundraisers that we have. We just celebrated our 100th anniversary, and he came to the banquet we had.
“He’s been quite a bit of help for us.”