A $259,033 state grant, backed by state Rep. Frank Burns, will fund essential upgrades at the Nanty Glo Fire Company, including the replacement of its aging roof and repairs to a deteriorating driveway.

The fire station’s 30-year-old rubber roof has suffered significant wear and leakage, prompting the need for full replacement.

Assistant Fire Chief Bryant Greene explained that the project will involve removing the existing membrane and installing a new one, along with improvements to better channel stormwater into drainage systems. The roof shelters vital areas of the facility, including fire apparatus, emergency vehicles, restrooms, kitchen, and meeting spaces.

The grant will also address structural issues in the station’s driveway, where cracking and sinking have raised concerns about safe vehicle access. Greene noted that an underlying sanitary sewer line has contributed to the damage and will be stabilized before new reinforced concrete pads are installed to strengthen the surface.

“Our priority is to ensure our emergency vehicles can move in and out without delay,” Greene said. “We want to resolve these issues now before they interfere with response times.”

Nanty Glo Fire Company serves a 40-square-mile area, including Nanty Glo Borough and Blacklick Township. Greene credited Rep. Burns’ office for its support in securing the funding, emphasizing that the assistance significantly reduced the financial burden on the department and local taxpayers.

Without the grant, the fire company would have faced substantial costs. Instead, it will only need to contribute $14,000 toward the project. Greene also acknowledged the contributions of Nanty Glo Borough, grant writers, and community members who supported the effort.