JACKSON TWP — The township supervisors Thursday evening voted to join Zelienople and Harmony boroughs in an emergency management program.

The Intermunicipal Emergency Management Program aims to unite the three municipalities, Jackson township, Zelienople and Harmony, to plan for and coordinate during emergency situations as one cohesive unit.

“It seemed like a logical step,” said Chris Rearick, township manager. “There is enhanced communication between the municipalities.”

While the program will not act as first responders to emergencies, it will aid in supplies for crews during emergencies. The municipalities also will share in emergency plans and provide input to each other.

“It makes sense,” said Don Pepe, Zelienople borough manager, of reaching out to the township. “You’re not duplicating efforts, it’s cheaper, and you’re able to get a much more regional scope.”

Zelienople reached out to the township to join in the program. Harmony has been sharing with Zelienople in the program for several years.

Pepe said “years and years ago,” all three municipalities were in one emergency management program, but for some unknown reason split into separate entities.

“Each municipality is responsible for an emergency management plan,” Pepe said. “I want to pull it back together again.”

Greg Such, Harmony borough council president, said it is “good news” that the township has decided to join the program.

“The area is so interconnected,” Such said. “It’s pretty hard to tell where one township or borough’s borders end and another begins when it comes to an emergency.”

Each municipality has to adopt an ordinance before the program becomes united.

John Kovacic, who was voted by both Zelienople and Harmony borough councils to be emergency management coordinator, is being considered to lead the program.

“It appears to be mutual consent among all three municipalities,” Rearick said. “He (Kovacic) has extensive experience in this area of emergency management.”

Pepe said the municipalities are waiting for Kovacic to be appointed by the state.

The municipalities will share per capita costs, based on population.

“I estimated the costs for Zelienople to be $2,668, Harmony at $623 and Jackson Township at $2,730,” Pepe said. “That’s just to keep the lights on and keep things going.”