Congressman Meuser Secures $4.975 Million for Three Schuylkill County Community Projects

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) announced that he has secured $4.975 million in federal funding to support three major community projects in Schuylkill County. This funding, included in the FY26 Agriculture Appropriations legislation recently signed into law, is the result of extensive collaboration and partnership between Congressman Meuser, local officials, and community leaders across the county.

The projects receiving direct federal support include:

Friendship Hose Co. No. 1 New Fire Station, Orwigsburg - $2,225,000

This investment will allow Friendship Hose Co. No. 1 to construct a new, modern fire station on the site of its existing facility. The project will improve emergency response capabilities, increase volunteer recruitment and retention, and ensure safe, updated infrastructure for first responders.

Temple-St. Luke's Rural Dental College Campus, Coaldale - $2,000,000

This project funding will support construction of a new rural dental education facility to host 20 dental students completing clinical training in Schuylkill County. The project strengthens access to dental care across underserved rural communities and supports long-term workforce development in the region.

Shenandoah Center for Health, Education, Business and the Arts - $750,000

This grant will complete the buildout of a new federally qualified health center and business incubator in downtown Shenandoah. The facility will expand access to medical care, support workforce development, and provide space for small-business growth and community programming.

Meuser said, "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. These three community projects will strengthen public safety, expand access to healthcare, and support long-term economic revitalization across the county. We worked closely with community leaders such as the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, as well as state and local elected officials including Senator Dave Argall, Representatives Jamie Barton, and Tim Twardzik, and Commissioners, Boots Hetherington, Larry Padora, and Gary Hess. I look forward to seeing each of these initiatives make a positive impact in Shenandoah, Coaldale, Orwigsburg, and throughout Schuylkill County."

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