Harrisburg pursues two grants to renovate fire station facilities; one county grant may be reimbursable

Two separate grant resolutions to renovate Harrisburg fire station facilities were presented in committee and moved to the legislative agenda for council consideration.

Resolution 50 of 2025 would authorize the submission of a Dauphin County local shared municipal grant application of up to $250,000 to renovate bedroom accommodations and bathroom facilities at Fire Station 1, 1820 North Sixth Street. Interim business manager Sam Secosky and Chief Interline explained the project; the chief described the improvements as much‑needed facility maintenance and said the department pursued the county gaming local share funds for capital improvements.

Council members asked whether the grant would cover the total project cost or require city funds; staff said there is no required local match for the Dauphin County local share grant but that projects commonly require the applicant to expend funds and then seek reimbursement from the county or request the county pay vendors directly. County practice can allow the county to pay vendors directly for liquidity reasons.

Resolution 51 of 2025 would ratify submission of a Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant Program application and authorize the city to execute agreements related to an award of $83,475 to renovate bathroom facilities at Fire Station 2, 140 North Sixteenth Street. Committee members noted Harrisburg was one of seven departments in the Commonwealth awarded funding for capital projects this round.

Both resolutions were recommended to move to the council’s next legislative session for formal vote and execution of any resulting agreements.