Whitehall Township Commissioner Gerard Palagonia is exploring the possibility of raising money for a new township aerial fire truck.

Palagonia recently decided to spring into action after learning the Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation would not act as the depository for the truck.

"We are still in the talking stages," Larry Wersch, head of the chamber's foundation recently told The Press.

Wersch, however, was hopeful that the foundation and chamber would support the fundraiser.

"I am looking at alternatives,"' Palagonia said.

Palagonia, a retired township police officer, said he is exploring a potential relationship with an organization having an IRS 501(c) 3 designation.

He said if the project would have moved forward with the chamber foundation that he and another person would have performed the bookkeeping tasks, with the foundation acting as the depository.

Earlier the township would have acted as the depository for the funds raised, but was then informed the law prevented it from doing so.

"I am not giving up," Palagonia said.

He added he was already looking for foundations with a 501(c) 3 tax exemption status to step up and assist with the fundraising effort.

The commissioner several months ago informed the board of commissioners that the township was in need of a new aerial fire truck. The 1994 aerial fire truck at the Fullerton Station costs $30,000 a year in parts and labor to maintain. A new aerial fire truck is expected to cost between $900,000 to $1 million.

Palagonia said the fund drive will involve businesses, not residents.

"With all the big businesses at the Lehigh Valley Mall, some could donate $200,000," Palagonia said.

He pledged to donate $1,000 of his own money.

Letters to businesses will not be sent out until a foundation is aboard.

Palagonia said he is optimistic that an organization will come forward. He further said there are state grants which could help raise the necessary funds.