09/30/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2025 14:50
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has awarded Franklin County a $47,000 grant. The funding will support the purchase of gas detectors and related equipment as well as the training of career and volunteer responders. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:
"The Pipeline Emergency Response Grant (PERG) program supports local communities in their efforts to improve pipeline emergency readiness and response activities.
"This PERG grant for $47,000 helps Franklin County train responder personnel and provide pipeline emergency tools and knowledge."
BACKGROUND
240 career and volunteer responders will be trained on proper gas meter use and interpretation.
This grant also supports the certification of two local technicians as service-level specialists.
According to the PHMSA website, the PERG program focuses on incidents response activities related to the transportation of gas or hazardous liquids by pipelines in high consequence areas.
###