Springfield Township requests $900,000 for 10 high-capacity fire-suppression wells

Representative Mike Harris and Springfield Township Fire Chief Matt Covey asked the subcommittee for approximately $900,000 to install 10 high-capacity fire protection wells to supply 300–500 gallons per minute of water for firefighting across parts of the township that lack municipal water. Nut graf: Proponents said the wells would reduce reliance on tanker shuttles and long-haul mutual aid, shorten response times, protect historic downtown structures, support future development and potentially improve the township’s ISO class 3 rating and insurance outcomes. Chief Matt Covey said the wells are strategically located across 10 service areas, one planned for the historic downtown and intended to eventually support dining/water table needs there. He said the wells would be positioned to provide mutual-aid support to neighboring departments and that the goal is to complete the project by 2026 if funded. Committee members asked about costs, timelines and whether administrative fees were requested; Covey said the request covers capital costs for wells and that the township had not sought other funding prior to this request, calling this their initial legislative ask. Ending: No formal committee action was taken; proponents said the wells would strengthen emergency readiness and relieve long-term local budget pressure.