Generators to alleviate Chesco power outages
CHESTER COUNTY Generators to alleviate power outages WEST CHESTER West Chester University and 37 municipalities in Chester County will receive generators to power traffic lights during major power outages.
CHESTER COUNTY
Generators to alleviate power outages
WEST CHESTER West Chester University and 37 municipalities in Chester County will receive generators to power traffic lights during major power outages.
Chester County's Department of Emergency Services is getting 188 generators through a federal Urban Area Security Initiative grant. County officials determined which municipalities needed them most based on traffic volume at their intersections. West Chester University can use its generator for campus activities.
"Last winter's ice and snow storms affected transportation throughout the county like no other in recent history," County Commissioner Ryan Costello said in a statement. "Even once the routes were cleared of trees and other debris, the lack of electricity meant that travel remained extremely dangerous, especially at busy intersections."
County Commissioner Terence Farrell said municipalities will need fewer first responders to direct traffic at intersections, which frees them for emergencies.
Kathi Cozzone, the county's third commissioner, noted that many municipalities cannot afford supplemental equipment that they only use during extreme weather.
The municipalities will pay fuel and maintenance costs for the generators.
- Michaelle Bond