Скачать или смотреть East Palestine to get new first responder training center under $20M Norfolk Southern deal

State and federal leaders Friday announced updated plans for a new first responder training center in East Palestine, funded largely through a $20 million commitment from Norfolk Southern.

The project, first proposed in the weeks after the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment and chemical explosion, has been expanded and redesigned to include higher education opportunities and long-term operational support. The enhanced plan was developed following Vice President JD Vance’s February 2025 visit to East Palestine and with the backing of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, and U.S. Rep. Mike Rulli.

Under a new agreement, Norfolk Southern will provide Youngstown State University with $20 million to design, build and operate the facility as part of the university’s Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences and Forensic Science. The center will offer training for fire, police and EMS personnel — including volunteers — on scenarios such as house, vehicle and industrial fires, search and rescue, confined-space rescues and agricultural emergencies.

East Palestine’s emergency responders will receive free, priority access. The center will also integrate fire science curriculum and workforce education pathways for YSU students. Officials said the agreement includes a long-term endowment plan to help sustain the facility.

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