Lycoming News

HARRISBURG – The September edition of the local TV program hosted by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) focuses on the renovation and reuse of the former KME Fire Apparatus complex in Nesquehoning.

“When KME closed in 2021, many of us feared it might stay empty forever,” said Argall. “This massive plant was the economic heartbeat of the area and one of the region’s largest employers. Thankfully, local entrepreneurs stepped up to the plate. With strong support from the Kovatch family’s new generation of leaders in Kathy Kovatch Reaman and Ric Reaman, this site is now almost fully restored.”

The site on the west side of State Route 54 now houses the brand-new Narrow Valley Sportsplex and a Bulldog Fire Apparatus plant. The Reading and Northern Railroad transformed the buildings north of State Route 54 into a new passenger train platform, train maintenance, and employee training facilities.

The Narrow Valley Sportsplex features batting cages, indoor golf simulators, pickleball courts, basketball courts, and volleyball courts. “This facility will serve as a nice shot in the arm for the Panther Valley region, bringing both local people and athletes to Nesquehoning to compete in tournaments and receive expert instruction,” Argall noted.

Bulldog Fire Apparatus’ new Nesquehoning facility, which both refurbishes and builds high-quality fire trucks and emergency vehicles, now employs over 100 people, replacing many of the jobs lost when KME closed.

“Breathing new life into many of our local towns, large and small, is the most important part of my job as the state senator for Carbon, Luzerne, and Schuylkill counties,” Argall continued. “This community-driven project in Nesquehoning is an excellent example.”

This edition of the Argall Report is available to watch on Sen. Argall’s website: https://www.senatorargall.com/2024/09/03/september-argall-tv-report-bringing-new-life-to-the-former-kme-plant-in-nesquehoning/

CONTACT: Jim Brugger