PennDOT grant supports Exeter’s plan for growth

Exeter Township recently announced that it has received a $2.9 MultiModal Transportation Fund grant from PennDOT.

The funds will be used to improve vehicle and pedestrian safety along Perkiomen Avenue through a continuous sidewalk, pedestrian lighting, a pedestrian buffer, additional trees and defined accessways to businesses.

State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) was instrumental in achieving approval for the grant.

“Any large project like this is a cooperative effort, and we especially appreciate Senator Schwank’s help in facilitating its approval,” said John Granger, Exeter Township manager.

The $2.9 million is the second grant the township received.; previously it was awarded $1 million from the state. The funds will support a multi-phased plan to attract more growth to Exeter Township with a focus on Perkiomen Avenue and the Route 422 Corridor, an area that will be called Town Commons.

“Our goal is to make this area the genesis for economic development in our township,” Granger said. He added that the township has taken a strategic approach to the project by creating a plan, putting in place a structure, and procuring private and public funding.

Implementation is on schedule. The Exeter Township Board of Supervisors in September approved an agreement with McMahon Transportation Engineering and Construction to begin survey work on the area in late October.