ORANGE COUNTY – In what may very well be the first partnership between two Orange County municipalities that are miles apart, the cities of Port Jervis and Middletown will share equipment paid for by the state.

The cities will receive some $386,000 to purchase equipment to clean, repair and maintain water and sewer lines. Each city must contribute $20,000 to the project.

The cities are some 19 miles apart, and that makes the sharing arrangement unique, said Port Jervis Mayor Gary Lopriore.

“Most shared services programs are normally thought to be had for adjoining communities,” he said. “This is probably one that is a first for Orange County and other areas because of the distance.”

Lopriore said the cities will buy camera and related equipment to inspect inside sewer and water lines as well as a vehicle equipped to clean and vacuum catch basins, storm drains and sewers.

The equipment was “badly needed” and will come in handy for both cities, said Middletown Mayor Marlinda Duncanson.

State Senator John Bonacic said these two cities are part of 67 grants statewide to foster shared municipal services.