Constitution Pipeline Company has announced the recipients of its Constitution Pipeline Community Grant program, awarding 11 grants totaling more than $116,000 to benefit local communities within the counties traversed by the proposed pipeline project.
One of the 11 recipients is the Conesville Fire District, which plans to use a $15,000 grant to aid in the purchase of a new fire truck.
"The grant from Constitution Pipeline is going to be used to help purchase a new fire truck, which will lower our maintenance costs and give our firefighters and the community more protection," said Bill Hanson, former vice chairman, Conesville Fire District.
"We need to replace our 1977 GMS fire truck this year. We have saved $200,000 but still have a shortfall that these dollars can help fill. We are very grateful for the contribution from Constitution Pipeline."
Another recipient is the Hapersfield Historical Society, in Delaware County, which will use its $15,000 grant to display local historical artifacts.
"We plan to use the dollars from Constitution Pipeline for the historic preservation of donated items for display and educational purposes," said Tom Kendall, president of the Harpersfield Historical Society.
"Many residents are looking to donate items to the historical society to preserve them and make them available for the education of future generations.
Antique farming equipment and products of historic manufacturing in the area are among the items that need a place to be displayed and preserved. We are grateful to Constitution Pipeline for their support."
Since its inception in 2012, more than $1.9 million has been awarded by the Constitution Pipeline Community Grant Program to 145 organizations to help fund noteworthy projects that directly benefit communities in the pipeline project area.
An advisory committee consisting of community leaders and company representatives helped determine which projects would receive funding and how the dollars would be distributed.
Grants were awarded based on overall community need and merit of the proposal. Examples of eligible projects included emergency/first responder support, youth or senior services, education programs, assistance in the enrichment of wildlife habitat and promotion of environmental education.
"We have been very pleased with the response we've received from communities who have benefited from the Constitution Pipeline Community Grant Program," said Matt Swift, Constitution Pipeline project manager. "We are excited to be able to help support so many deserving organizations, especially during this time of year when budgets are tight and fundraising needs are even more magnified."
Constitution Pipeline distributes grant awards twice per year, with the next funding cycle's deadline scheduled for April 1, 2016.
Grant applications can be completed online at www.constitutionpipeline.com.
7th cycle grant recipients:
• Binghamton Housing Authority (Broome County)-Equipment purchases to assist low income families, elderly, and disabled persons: $10,000.
• Deposit Fire Department (Broome County)-Personal protection equipment: $8,711.

• Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network (Broome County)-Support of pregnant and parenting women in recovery: $2,500.
• City of Norwich (Chenango County)-Norwich Bruchhausen Park playground equipment: $13,243.
• Delaware County Sheriff's Office (Delaware County)-Polaris Rangers for Emergency First Responder support: $17,700.
• Harpersfield Historical Society (Delaware County)-Large artifacts display: $15,000.
• Conesville Fire District (Schoharie)-New Fire Truck: $15,000.
• Village of Schoharie (Schoharie County)-Design and development of recreational corridor: $10,000.
• Summit Fire District (Schoharie County)-SFD tanker tank replacement: $10,000.
• Union Dale Volunteer Fire Co. (Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania)-Snowbulance: $7,500.
• Hallstead Fire & Engine Hose Co. #1 (Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania)-UTV 6X6: $6,500.