Whitehall Township and the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce may work together for a new fire truck.

The township is looking to the chamber as the organization to receive donations from local businesses.

The donations would go toward the purchase of an aerial fire truck, which is estimated to cost $1 million.

Howard Lieberman, executive director of the Whitehall Township Industrial and Commercial Development Authority, spoke to the commissioners this month, mentioning the chamber may be interested in assisting with such a project.

It's expected there could be a foundation created for obtaining donations for the major piece of fire equipment.

Lieberman said the chamber's role in the project fits because it's a nonprofit organization. It was said the township could not take on such a role.

Lieberman expects an answer from the chamber shortly.

Township Commissioner Gerard Palagonia has led the case for having a new truck raised by donations from businesses. There would be a massive letter campaign to get the project rolling. Palagonia pledged publicly he will get the ball rolling with a $1,000 personal donation.

There may be other funding mechanisms available via the state, grants and other subsidies.

According to Palagonia, the truck currently based at the Fullerton station has been in service for 20 years and costs $30,000 in annual maintenance. The new truck would replace this one.

Lieberman said perhaps the $1 million or so in funds cannot be raised entirely, but said $200,000 or $300,000 is not out of the question.

Last month the commissioners reappointed Laura Long, who is executive director of the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce, to continue serving in the WTICDA, with a term ending Dec. 31, 2017.