Pittsburgh Seeks Hovercraft for River Rescues
Washington PA Observer Reporter
13 February 2013
PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh is seeking a federal grant to buy a
hovercraft that officials say will allow rescuers to safely
approach the banks of the western Pennsylvania city’s three rivers
and can also be used in winter when they are frozen over.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says the city is seeking a Department
of Homeland Security grant for the $100,000 purchase.
Emergency management director Ray Demichiei says the four-seat
hovercraft would be used in rescues, to help disabled boats and
barges that have broken free and for security patrols.
The craft would allow rescuers to safely approach riverbanks
without puncturing their regular boats and can deploy during water
emergencies when rivers are iced.
Demichiei said the federal funds can only be used for port
security, so they’re being applied to the river needs.