Somerset County may soon see significant improvements in safety and community services thanks to funding from the new state budget. Local officials have announced that the county will receive $700,000 for the construction of a new hazmat facility and $165,000 for the Somerset County Mobile Food Bank.
Commissioner Irvin Kimmel explained that the current hazmat and emergency crews operate out of an airport hangar in Friedens. “The swift water team is housed in that building too. The CART teams up there, search and rescue team is up there, all the specialized mobile equipment’s up there,” Kimmel said. He emphasized the need for a more centralized location to improve access during emergencies and for training purposes. He said the new facility will most likely be located at the Somerset industrial park and is expected to be completed in about a year and a half.
The Somerset County Mobile Food Bank will also benefit from the state budget, receiving $165,000 to support its operations. Executive Director Ben Tawney highlighted the importance of the funding, stating, “This is going to help provide the food that we do through our doors for many years.” Tawney noted that the food bank served over 1,900 families in October, underscoring the growing need in the community.
While the funds have not yet been dispersed, officials are eager to see these projects come to fruition, enhancing both safety and food security in Somerset County.
