County commissioners support new LifeFlight helicopters
The county commissioners approved a resolution Wednesday, Aug. 13, supporting, but not financially contributing to, Allegheny Health Network’s purchase of four new LifeFlight helicopters at a cost of $55 million.
AHN is asking Butler County and other counties were the emergency medical helicopters are stationed to support the resolution for a bond issue of up to $55 million to buy the helicopters, solicitor Julie Graham said.
The resolution for the private activity bond does not require the county to contribute money toward the purchase or create liability for the county, Graham said. Each medically equipped helicopter costs about $13.5 million, she added.
The new helicopters will be located at numerous airports and hospitals in Western Pennsylvania including the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport in Penn Township, Graham said.
Other locations include Allegheny General Hospital and AHN affiliates, including West Penn Hospital, Canonsburg Hospital, Forbes Hospital, Allegheny Valley Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Saint Vincent Hospital and Wexford Hospital, and Indiana Regional Medical Center and Independence Health System’s Clarion Hospital, and Rostraver Airport.
The commissioners ratified an agreement with the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority for 125 computers that will be placed in the new Butler Senior Center, which is under construction at 215 N. Duffy Road in Butler Township.
The authority is distributing the computers with money from the federal Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund that was authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Budget director Ann Brown said the county will own the devices, which must be made available to the public, and will have to load them with software.
Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said the computers will be used in the new senior center to teach seniors how to “live more independently using technology.”
Veterans will be able to use the computers and parks and recreation department can use them for programs at the center.
In addition, the commissioners agreed to apply to the state for a $734,991 2025/26 Election Integrity grant.
It would be the fourth such grant the county has received. The county uses the money to pay election workers, print ballots and envelopes, security during elections, temporary election workers and equipment.
The commissioners also voted to advertise for bids to upgrade the electrical system in the lower part of Alameda Park serving pavilions, bathrooms, the bocce ball courts and the maintenance area.
