$4.3 million awarded to 23 projects
State grants for projects that improve transportation and quality of life for residents
Twenty-three projects in Berks County will receive a combined $4.3 million in state funding through two programs overseen by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
The Department of Community and Economic Development announced this week that the financing authority had approved a list of recipients that have been awarded Multimodal Transportation Fund and Local Shares Account Program grants.
State Sen. Judy Schwank said these awards represent significant investments in Berks’ infrastructure, which will ensure safer and more accessible transportation options for pedestrians and motorists.
“Prioritizing projects ranging from intersection construction to road reconstruction and sidewalk installations helps us develop vibrant, interconnected communities,” the
Ruscombmanor Township Democrat said in a statement.
Multimodal Transportation Fund grants
This fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to residents.
This money can be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit development.
The following received multimodal transportation grants:
• CG Broadcasting received $667,249 to construct two intersections to develop a planned mixeduse community in Spring Township.
• Mount Penn was awarded $653,716 for road reconstruction along Endlich Avenue.
• Maxatawny Township was given $457,935 to install sidewalks and related roadway improvements along Kutztown Road.
• South Heidelberg Township was awarded $390,000 to extend Krick Lane and make intersection improvements.
• Blue Creek Investments received $315,000 to build a new intersection at the Bethel Business Center.
• West Reading was given $253,850 to build curbs, sidewalks and ramps on Ann Street.
• ReFined Plastics was awarded $148,470 to help repair the bridge that carries Poplar Neck Road over railroad tracks in Cumru Township.
State Reps. Jamie Barton and Mark Rozzi released statements applauding the funding.
“New sidewalks don’t just improve the value of a property or community — they offer a safe pathway for walkers, joggers and strollers,” Barton said.
The Schuylkill County Republican said that while culvert and curb improvements may not be a glamorous part of our infrastructure, their upkeep and maintenance are imperative for road safety.
Rozzi, a Muhlenberg Township Democrat, said grants like this help strengthen community infrastructure, laying the foundation for safer and smoother journeys for years to come.
“Every pothole filled, every shoulder repaired, is a step closer to a brighter, seamless future for Berks County roadways,” Rozzi said.
Local Share Account grants
This program was established by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the financing authority to support projects in the public interest.
Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies and redevelopment authorities are eligible to apply for this funding. Projects are only eligible if they are owned and maintained by an eligible applicant or a nonprofit organization.
The following received share account grants:
• St. Lawrence was awarded two grants totaling $326,700 to buy a new dump truck equipped with a plow and salter, and other public works equipment, including a new mini paver and Caterpillar asphalt compactor.
• Robeson Township was given $108,550 to buy police vehicles.
• The Berks County Redevelopment Authority was awarded $104,607 to buy a rail car mover for the facility at the former Titus Generating Station on behalf of the nonprofit organization Recycle the World Inc.
• Sinking Spring was awarded $88,583 for pedestrian safety improvements at Penn Avenue and South Hull Street.
• Marion Township was given $69,570 for its low-pressure sewer system.
• Hereford Township was awarded $67,095 to build a new playground at Treichlers Mill Park.
• Brecknock Township was given $66,760 to buy a public works vehicle.
• Boyertown received $60,000 to install an emergency generator at Trout Run Dam.
• Upper Tulpehocken Township was awarded $59,600 for a new roof for the municipal building.
• Topton received $57,295 to rehabilitate its wastewater treatment plant chlorination system.
• Wyomissing was awarded $53,352 on behalf of the Wyomissing Fire Department for the purchase of a new ladder truck aerial apparatus.
• Spring Township was given $52,303 to renovate its police station.
• Penn Township was awarded $48,658 to buy a skid loader for its public works department.
• Wernersville received $48,652 to install a property security system.
• The Greater Berks Development Fund was awarded $35,382 for the purchase of equipment and fixtures for the Our Town Foundation building in Hamburg.
• Union Township was given $8,175 to buy a trailer.
State Rep. David Maloney released a statement saying he’s pleased projects in his district were awarded grants through this very competitive program.
“We secured substantial funding for important projects to enhance the quality of life in our communities,” the Pike Township Republican said.