Congressman Mackenzie, Local Officials Highlight Federal Funding for New Firehouse

firehousepr
November 17, 2025
Press Release
Alburtis, PA — Today, Congressman Ryan Mackenzie (PA-7), representing the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, highlighted $1,650,000 in new, federal funding for the construction of a new, modern firehouse in Alburtis. This funding was secured by Congressman Mackenzie through the Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The new firehouse will replace an aging building, expand emergency response capacity, and provide firefighters with a modern and reliable operational base. Alburtis is served by the Lower Macungie Fire Department, which serves nearly 40,000 residents in the municipalities of Alburtis, Macungie, and Lower Macungie Township.
Congressman Mackenzie was joined at the event by the following: 
  • Ryan Trexler, Fire Chief
  • Stephen Nemeth, Borough manager
  • Kathy Palmer, Alburtis Mayor
  • Ron Delaco, Alburtis Borough Councilman
  • Brian Higgins, Lower Macungie Twp. Commissioner
  • Additional local elected officials and community leaders
Congressman Mackenzie has a well-established track record of standing with Pennsylvania’s first responders. During his time in the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, Mackenzie authored successful legislation that abolished the realty transfer tax for emergency services departments that merged. He also helped to pass legislation establishing the Pennsylvania Keystone First Responders Award, which honors all first responders who experienced a career-ending injury or made the ultimate sacrifice. 
“I’m proud to have secured this funding for the people of Alburtis and Lower Macungie,” said Congressman Ryan Mackenzie. “Firefighters and the communities they serve depend on having modern, reliable facilities that can accommodate the needs of our growing region. This funding will help to make that a reality.”
“The Lower Macungie Fire Department has more work to do to ensure a fiscally responsible building is built. But with a price tag upwards of $3 million, this grant has provided a much clearer path forward,” said Chief Ryan Trexler. “The new fire station will meet the needs of the department for years to come.”
“On behalf of the residents of Alburtis, I need to send a very heartfelt thank you to the Congressman and your entire staff for working with us so diligently to get this entered and get the funding that we desperately needed,” said Mayor Kathy Palmer. “I congratulate and I absolutely thank all the first responders that worked behind the scenes to get this done for the borough of Alburtis.”
This funding, alongside a grant for a handicap-accessible ramp in Portland, PA, mark the Congressman’s first CPF successes. 
“My focus in Congress is on delivering bipartisan results for the people of the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos, and ensuring their tax dollars go to the things that matter most,” said Congressman Mackenzie. “When we serve our first responders, we’re also supporting the families and communities they protect. I’ll keep working to deliver real results for our communities.” 
Images from the event are available here.