The approximately $8 million, 68,000-square-foot center will house the Cetronia Ambulance Corps and Lehigh County's emergency and forensics operations. It will be built by Boyle Construction of Allentown on land at Broadway and Parkway roads.

"This building will stand as a symbol of how state, county and local governments work together to provide for public safety," Corbett said. "That's a core function of government, and the people of Cetronia and Lehigh County are essential to keeping the public safe."

Also participating in the ceremony at the center's future site at Broadway and Parkway roads were Pennsylvania Emergency Medical Services Director Joseph Schmider, Cetronia Ambulance Corps Chief Executive Officer Larry Wiersch and Director of Administration for Lehigh County Tom Muller.

The new facility will combine resources to house the nonprofit Cetronia Ambulance and the county's Medico-Legal Forensics Operations, including joint training facilities, as well as housing special operations vehicles and equipment.

"I am very encouraged by the way that we have been able to cooperate with Cetronia Ambulance to combine these necessary and related services into one facility and save our taxpayers money," Lehigh County Executive Bill Hansell said.

In addition, the facility will have an education center to train EMS, public health and safety providers throughout the region.

Funds for the construction are primarily being paid by the Cetronia Ambulance Corps via fundraising, loans and a $1.75 million grant from the state's Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Service Electric Cable and the family of the late John E. Walson, former president and CEO, also made a significant contribution toward the construction, said Boyle.

The building is tentatively scheduled to open in spring 2014.