County accepts PEMA funds for hazardous‑materials and radiation response programs

Lawrence County commissioners on June 17 approved two state grant agreements administered by the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency to support emergency‑response capabilities.

Public Safety Director Chad Strobel told commissioners the county will accept $5,719 in Hazardous Materials Response Fund (HMRF/Act 165) money to support training, equipment and preparedness tied to the county’s hazardous‑materials response program. Strobel said the fund is distributed based on facility chemicals and population formulae and requires year‑end reporting documenting eligible expenditures.

The board also approved acceptance of $9,120 from the Radiation Emergency Response Fund (RERF). Strobel said the county participates as a support county for Beaver County — which hosts a nuclear power plant — and that RERF funds pay for radiation meters, volunteer training and exercises to stand up reception and decontamination centers with partner agencies such as the American Red Cross.

Why it matters: Both grants are recurring state allocations that support hazard‑response readiness, equipment maintenance and training. Strobel said funds must be spent on eligible items and that the county will file reports documenting expenditures.

Votes and next steps: Commissioners approved the resolutions to accept the HMRF and RERF awards by roll call. Strobel will manage the funds and submit the required year‑end reporting.