U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, on Tuesday announced $2.17 million in federal funding for two Centre County emergency services.
Moshannon Valley EMS will receive $2,074,716 for its long–planned new ambulance station and training center, and Howard Fire Company will receive $98,653 for a new rescue jet boat. The money comes from the Community Project Funding for 2026 in the appropriations package passed earlier this month to reopen the federal government.
“I am thrilled to help strengthen our communities through funding for the new rescue boat and construction of the EMS facility,” Thompson, who made the announcement at the Howard Fire Company, said. “Our first responders are there 24/7 working for the public. We must ensure they have the best tools and training at their disposal, and today we are helping both Howard and Moshannon Valley be set up for success.”
The new 9,350-square-foot Moshannon Valley EMS facility will be constructed on the former Philipsburg Hospital site in Rush Township, which the agency acquired in 2020. The project was previously approved but not funded when Community Project Funding was not included in a continuing resolution to avoid a shutdown in March.
With the federal appropriations on the way, MVEMS, which serves 23 municipalities in three counties, now expects to break ground in the spring.
The facility will include a large training complex for EMS, firefighters, rescue personnel, law enforcement and other public safety agencies region-wide. It also will be accessible to schools and community groups as a shared resource.
A dividable multipurpose classroom, study spaces and administrative offices will be among its components.
Supporting MVEMS operations, it will have four ambulance bays for up to eight vehicles, expanded crew facilities and improved accommodations, such as sleeping quarters, a kitchen, lounge, locker rooms and a fitness center.
“Moshannon Valley Emergency Medical Services is blessed and thankful for receipt of this funding that will propel the future of emergency medical care to the entire Moshannon Valley covering Clearfield and Centre Counties,” Frederick Ferguson, EMS chief and executive director of Moshannon Valley EMS, said. “It will create a permanent home for our public safety education facility that will serve all of Central Pennsylvania and replace our 45-year-old headquarters. We thank Congressman GT Thompson for his hard work to help us achieve this goal.”
For Howard Fire Company, which is a primary responder for emergencies at Sayers Reservoir in Bald Eagle State Park and other waterways, the funding will allow it to replace its existing 25-year-old rescue jet boat, a vital resource for water-based rescue operations.
“We are incredibly grateful for this funding, which will allow us to replace our 25-year-old, under-powered rescue boat with the modern equipment our community deserves,” said Collin Alterio, Safety Officer and Water Rescue Team Lead for the Howard Fire Company. “This new vessel will greatly enhance our ability to protect our first-due area and the neighboring communities that rely on us. We sincerely thank everyone who supported this project and helped make it a reality.”
