The funding approved as part of the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations legislation was awarded through a collaborative effort between Meuser, the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, municipal officials, and state and county leaders.
Friendship Hose Co. No. 1 New Fire Station – Orwigsburg ($2,225,000)
The largest portion of the funding will support the construction of a new, modern fire station for Friendship Hose Company No. 1 in Orwigsburg. The project will replace the current aging facility with an upgraded station designed to enhance emergency response capabilities, improve volunteer recruitment and retention, and provide a safer operating environment for area firefighters.Temple–St. Luke’s Rural Dental College Campus – Coaldale ($2,000,000)
A major investment in rural healthcare training, this funding will support the creation of a new rural dental education facility in Coaldale. The campus will host 20 dental students completing clinical training locally, helping expand access to dental care in underserved areas while strengthening the long-term healthcare workforce in Schuylkill County.Shenandoah Center for Health, Education, Business, and the Arts ($750,000)
In Shenandoah, federal dollars will help complete the buildout of a new federally qualified health center and business incubator downtown. The facility aims to expand medical services, provide workforce and entrepreneurial support, and serve as a community hub for programming and arts initiatives.Meuser: “These projects will improve lives across Schuylkill County.”
“This nearly $5 million in federal funding my office helped to secure for Schuylkill County will help to improve the lives of the great people who live and work here,” Meuser said. “These three community projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to healthcare, and support long-term economic revitalization across the county.”Meuser credited the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce as well as numerous state and local leaders including Sen. Dave Argall, Reps. Jamie Barton and Tim Twardzik, and County Commissioners Boots Hetherington, Larry Padora, and Gary Hess for partnering on the funding efforts.
“I look forward to seeing each of these initiatives make a positive impact in Shenandoah, Coaldale, Orwigsburg, and throughout Schuylkill County,” he said.