Multi-Municipal Project Improves Safety
By, Jessica Horan-Kunco
Emergency vehicles can expect safer and
more efficient travel through Millcreek and
Summit Townships thanks to a multi-municipal
collaboration project. This project administered
by the Erie Area Council of Governments, on
behalf of Millcreek and Summit, will complete
the installation of Emergency
Vehicle Preemption equipment
at 14 signalized intersections
through the townships. The
Erie Area Council of Governments, an association of Erie County
municipalities, provides multi-municipal projects, program
and services that enhance operations, reduce duplication,
decrease costs, improve efficiency and leverage resources for
its members. “Thanks to our membership in the EACOG, we
were able to partner with Summit to complete the purchase
and installation of emergency preemption equipment that has
proven technology, is PennDOT approved and is compatible
with existing equipment at a low cost.” remarked John Groh,
Millcreek Township supervisor. The ultimate goal of this project
is to enhance the safety of residents, visitors and emergency
personnel traveling in the two townships.
Township employees partnered on the installation of each
receiver with Millcreek Township’s Traffic Electrician, Jeffery
Tenney, providing field training to Summit Township’s Traffic
Technician, Mike Hanas. The partnership was designed to
share expertise across municipal boundaries so that both
communities would be prepared to install and maintain
the equipment for the long term. Supervisors from both
Mike Hanas
working on
installation
communities praised the cooperative effort. Summit Township
supervisor, Jack Lee applauded the successful partnership,
“this project has allowed us to build a great relationship with
the Millcreek staff members and we have gained a great
appreciation for each other’s knowledge and experience.”
With this project, all 80 signalized intersections in these
communities are now equipped with emergency preemption
systems that are compatible with existing equipment at
other intersections throughout Erie County. Additionally, ten
emergency vehicles are now equipped with emitters to control
the signals. This project was funded in part through a Multi-
Municipal Collaboration grant from the Erie County Gaming
Revenue Authority.
MILLCREEK
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FALL 2019
11