With federal funds flowing into PA municipalities, there’s been much consideration over how these entities can leverage allocated money to improve various aspects of life for Pennsylvanians. From public health initiatives and assistance for essential workers to critical efforts to improve and modernize infrastructure, there’s no shortage of ways to put these funds to good use.  Disbursement of Federal Funds Over the summer, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that the first payments under the American Rescue Plan Act’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program have been sent to qualifying Pennsylvania municipalities. PA counties, cities, boroughs and townships are eligible for $6.15 billion from the program. “It’s a top priority at Treasury,” Garrity said, “to make sure these payments get into the hands of local leaders quickly and efficiently so they can be used to help address the effects of the pandemic.” Pennsylvania has more than 2,500 municipalities [...]

Security is a continually evolving challenge for entities in both the commercial and government sectors, and dynamic defense plans have become more important than ever. This is especially true for high-threat properties and facilities like airports, prisons and industrial parks. In a multi-faceted effort to protect people and assets, perimeter security is one of the most critical aspects of mitigating risks for these types of locations. Here, we’re providing some valuable tips on addressing the unique perimeter security challenges of airports, prisons and industrial parks.  Examining the Specific Security Challenges What makes an airport such a difficult property to safeguard? What specialized care must be taken to ensure tight security at a prison or correctional facility? Why are industrial parks such high-risk targets for security threats? These are the questions that must be answered before designing a perimeter security approach that meets the needs of any of these entities. [...]

In the late 1700s, Pennsylvanians traveled by horse and carriage over log-surfaced roads and muddy terrain. Decades later, they had the means to traverse the state via railroads and canals. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that plans emerged to convert an abandoned railway route into a motorway. More than a century since, travelers find themselves with the accessibility to motor along Pennsylvania’s many interconnected roadways, including state highways and the PA turnpike. As they do so, they are accustomed to seeing the expanse of fencing structures built along many of these paths to enhance safety, reduce noise and generally mitigate other potential risks.  PennDOT's purpose is to establish a transportation system that is as effective and efficient as possible for the public, and the mission of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. In [...]

Utilities comprise some of the nation’s most critical infrastructure, which makes the companies providing them highly concerned about the security of their facilities and property. High-security perimeter fencing is a major line of defense against external threats to utility sites, including substations, power plants, water treatment plants, communications facilities and more.  Utility perimeter fencing must therefore be designed to thwart breaches ranging from basic theft or vandalism to full-on acts of terrorism. This type of fencing should be capable of securing the property, equipment and people inside, as well as mitigating potential disruption of integral utilities provided to the community.  High Security Standards for Utilities Perimeter Fencing Often, the physical security for a utility company is based on a multi-layered approach aimed at delaying intruders and maximizing the amount of time their staff has to respond. Therefore, a single perimeter system may include fencing, walls, guardrails, gates, crash protection, [...]

From gated communities to private businesses—and everything in between—choosing the right kind of heavy-duty fencing for a facility is fundamental to ensuring security. Of course, the least expensive option or the quickest to install might seem like the most attractive choice, but it’s incredibly important to understand how different types of security fencing serve to protect and meet the individual needs of your facility. Here, we’re explaining these nuances and providing expert insight on what you should know to make a smart decision. Critical Characteristics of Heavy-Duty Security Fencing In order for a facility’s fencing solution to achieve its intended security purposes, it should focus on the following qualities: High-Level Strength: The strength of a heavy-duty security fence is generally determined by its construction, and steel is one of the most formidable of the materials available. A fencing solution’s strength determines how difficult it will be to cut, break [...]

Dating back to the early Romans, who mixed crushed limestone and soft rocks with sand and water to create one of the first forms of concrete, the use of this material—even in its more primitive precast forms—has been instrumental in supporting a number of applications requiring strength and durability. Of course, precast concrete has come a long way since the days of Roman molds and wooden forms, but the practicality, versatility and value of this option remains as true and real as ever. Today, precast concrete walls are leveraged in a variety of settings and for a multitude of uses. In contrast to concrete that is poured at the site of an application, precasting supports a more viable concrete product at a greater cost benefit. Precast concrete walls are selected for any number of advantages this type of barrier or fencing solution brings to the table. Here, we’re highlighting [...]

When driving down the highway, most motorists don’t think about the fencing structures built to enhance safety, reduce noise, deter animals and generally mitigate other risks. But the design and implementation of highway fencing is both essential and complex. Constructing effective fencing along a traveled highway requires a well-thought-out approach and precise knowledge of the materials and specifications related to the project. To help highlight the different purposes, forms and considerations for highway fencing, this article provides a number of informative insights. Highway Fencing Needs & Applications Highway fencing is employed in various types of settings and for a multitude of different reasons. Generally speaking, it is intended to separate the drivable roadway from the surrounding area, though there are more granular requirements at play. Here are some of the most common functions:  Sound barrier: Typically applied in urban and suburban areas, fencing in the form of sound barriers [...]

Warehouse spaces, distribution centers and drop lots are essential to the successful functioning of businesses around the globe. Unsurprisingly, they are also hot spots for theft. With so many valuable products and cargo situated in one central location, these areas have become prime targets for crime—including everything from external, organized crime to internal breaches and theft. What’s more, the size, scope and complexity of warehouses, distribution facilities and drop lots make them challenging to monitor and secure. That is why having effective fencing solutions is paramount to protecting your business, your staff and your assets. Perimeter fencing, internal fencing and even interior caging can all help mitigate the risk of crime within warehouses, distribution centers and drop lots. Of course, not every type of fencing is qualified for the job at hand. It’s critical to integrate fencing options that meet high standards of security and functionality. Following are some [...]

Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf recently announced a major clean energy initiative that will produce nearly 50 percent of the state government’s electricity through seven new solar energy arrays totaling 191-megawatts. Pennsylvania PULSE (Project to Utilize Light and Solar Energy) is the largest solar commitment by any government in the U.S. announced to date, and part of the initiative will go into operation on January 1, 2023. This announcement affirms the state’s commitment to supporting renewable energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and it sets a major precedent for reducing the risks of climate change in Pennsylvania. It’s a move that charts a greener course for the state, setting an example for utilities, municipalities, businesses and residences to consider alternative forms of energy. But as solar arrays crop up around the state, securing the perimeter of these properties becomes a challenging yet critical effort. Here, we’re providing some essential tips [...]

High-security fencing options are leveraged for a variety of structures and grounds ranging from government-run to commercially owned. Given the many different uses for and types of high-security fences, it can be challenging to identify a system that best fits your unique setting and requirements. Building a perimeter structure designed to protect people, property and intellectual assets starts with understanding the many considerations surrounding high-security fencing. Let’s explore some of these areas to form a clearer picture and smarter approach. When High-Security is a High Priority High-security fencing is often the first line of defense against outside threats, theft, vandalism and unwanted access to specific areas. It’s essential to assuring the safety of workers and visitors around the property, and of the general public. It can be a major contributor to protecting internal assets, safeguarding infrastructure and services, and mitigating security vulnerabilities. Some of the threats facing certain government [...]