Whitehall Township Commissioner Gerard Palagonia is ready to embark on an ambitious fundraising project with a goal of raising around $1 million in order to acquire a second aerial apparatus fire truck for the township's fire department. Palagonia told his fellow commissioners at their Jan. 13 meeting he would be willing to lead such a campaign.

"That's what I hear from people in the township," Palagonia said. "We need to have two aerial trucks."

While no board member raised objections to Palagonia's idea of initiating a broad campaign to raise funds for an aerial fire truck, board members did have some questions, including whether such donations would receive federal tax breaks and which station would be given the new fire truck.

They also wondered if Palagonia could establish a committee that would qualify for the tax benefits of a nonprofit organization.

"I personally would like to donate $1,000," Palagonia said, adding "I don't want to see the taxes raised."

Outlining his plan, Palagonia said each household would receive a letter asking for a donation.

The township's large business and commercial entities would be contacted to make a contribution to the project as well.

As the discussion continued, Palagonia said the township property on Schadt Avenue could be a site for the aerial fire truck's location, as there is no fire station with volunteers at that area.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the existing five fire station volunteers may have their own ideas.

There had been a mention at a commissioners' workshop last fall that another fire station should be considered for that section of the township, but no serious projects resulted.

At present Fullerton fire station has the only ladder fire truck.

The other fire stations in the township are at Egypt, Cementon, Hokendauqua and West Catasauqua.

Palagonia said township residents support fundraising projects, as evidenced by the successful Whitehall Lions Club's annual fundraiser.

"We have a lot of businesses," Palagonia said, which could be reached for contributions. Raffle ticket sales would be another means of raising money, Palagonia mentioned.