5 Berks transportation projects getting $2 million boost from state grants

Mar. 17—Five transportation improvement proposals in Berks County will receive a combined $2 million in state grant funding through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The Pennsylvania Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to residents. Funds 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.

Here's a list of local recipients:

—Lower Alsace Township was awarded $850,000 for the construction of sidewalks along Carsonia Road. The sidewalk will stretch from Parkview Avenue to Logan Street leading toward Antietam Middle/Senior High School. The sidewalk will address pedestrian safety concerns and alleviate stormwater runoff.

Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Mark Rozzi worked in tandem to secure the funding. The lawmakers said the funding dovetails nicely with PennDOT's ongoing Carsonia Avenue and Friedensburg Road bridge replacement intersection improvement project and Antietam School District's Stony Creek rehabilitation project.

"This project is a priority for the township, school district and local residents," Schwank said. "This extended stretch of sidewalk will provide students with a safe walking path they can use to get to school and is in keeping with existing efforts to improve safety in the area. I'm very pleased to see this worthy project receive the funding it deserves."

"I was happy to work with Sen. Schwank to ensure this funding came back to the area," Rozzi added. "Major projects like this are unattainable for small townships like Lower Alsace without the state's assistance. This project impacts community safety which is paramount and a long-time priority of mine."

—Blue Creek Investments was awarded $750,000 to construct a road and intersection at the Bethel Business Center.

—South Heidelberg Township was awarded $250,000 to extend Krick Lane and complete its intersection improvement project.

—Cumru Township was awarded $117,988 to make improvements to South Ninth Street.

—The Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust was awarded $114,870 to make improvements that will help provide accessibility and enhance safety.