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PITTSBURGH, PA — After 37 of 95 trucks in the city’s aging public works department
fleet became inoperable during last weekend’s gargantuan snowstorm, city officials now plan to purchase 35 new vehicles.
That will be possible thanks to a $10 million UPMC contribution to the city announced Thursday to expedite the replacement of Pittsburgh’s Emergency Medical Services vehicles and equipment. The donation allows the amount budgeted for EMS equipment to be shifted to immediately purchase the nearly three dozen public works vehicles.
The UMPC gift will allow EMS to immediately purchase nine new ambulance and one rescue truck this year and a similar amount of equipment in 2027. The purchase of vehicles and equipment will be done in phases to stagger the maintenance and lifetime of the vehicles.
“We are so grateful to UPMC for this investment in EMS, which will allow the City to invest in additional DPW vehicles,” said DPW Acting Director John McClory.
Mayor Corey O’Connor said in a statement: “The very first EMS started here in Pittsburgh, but for years we’ve been expecting our critical first responders to deliver life-saving services with an old, unreliable fleet. UPMC saw what was happening, approached us and stepped up to partner with us on this game-changing investment. “
“UPMC is proud to step forward and support the city’s EMS system, which plays a vital role in caring for patients,” said UPMC President and CEO Leslie C. Davis.
“Strong emergency response infrastructure is essential to a healthy community. We hope this contribution encourages other nonprofit institutions and private-sector partners to join us in supporting the city’s critical needs.”
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