State legislators announce more than $8 million in state grants coming to Berks

Mar. 17—State lawmakers have announced that communities across Berks County will receive a total of more than $8 million in Local Share Account grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

The Local Shares Account 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.

Here's a list of recipients announced Thursday:

—Birdsboro — $840,832 for five projects that include First Street Bridge repairs, the installation of outdoor fitness equipment and the purchases of a dump truck, street sweeper and utility truck.

—Spring Township — $800,000 for the Wyomissing Sewer Project, which will upgrade sewer pipes and alleviate wastewater concerns.

—Onelaunee Township — $700,000 for pump station upgrades and two intersection improvement projects.

—Reading — $500,000 for the construction of a modern, multipurpose training and special operations facility in Cumru Township.

—Laureldale — $482,255 to construct ADA-accessible bathroom facilities at Dominic Manzella Park.

—Kutztown Community Partnership — $450,000 to support rehabilitation of the historic Kutztown Strand Theatre.

—Wyomissing — $400,000 for ADA and safety improvements at Stone House Park.

—Antietam Valley Municipal Authority — $376,379 for vehicle equipment upgrades for use in Alsace Township, Mount Penn, Exeter Township, St. Lawrence and Reading.

—Mount Penn — $335,000 for the reconstruction of ADA-compliant ramps to be constructed on various streets and the renovation of a firehouse day room.

—Muhlenberg Township — $294,000 for streambank restoration and to install a riparian buffer at Laurel Run Creek.

—West Reading — $264,750 to upgrade security cameras along the main commercial area, at the police department and at the municipal building.

—Fleetwood — $225,000 for phase two of construction to stabilize and restore the Willow Creek streambank at Fleetwood Park.

—Bern Township Municipal Authority — $210,366 for the Leiscz's Bridge Road pumping stations project.

—Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority — $207,100 for upgrades to an existing supervisory control and data acquisition system in Exeter Township.

—Topton — $189,225 for the replacement of the Washington Street pump station.

—Reading Area Water Authority — $165,649 for monitoring upgrades for the Maidencreek Filter Plant.

—Wernersville — $165,017 to buy storm management equipment.

—Leesport — $119,983 for a water system emergency generator project.

—Centre Township Municipal Authority — $110,000 for renovations and upgrades to the Hillcrest Estates wastewater treatment plant.

—Ruscombmanor Township — $100,000 for ADA improvements in Strauss Park.

—Bally — $100,000 for Bally Community Park improvements.

—Bernville — $31,100 for a well pump generator.

—Lyons Borough Municipal Authority — $29,260 to upgrade its water and mapping system and to conduct a leak-detection test.

In addition to the Local Shares Account grants, several Berks entities received a combined $1.16 million in facility program funding.

—West Reading — $213,552 for streetlight replacements and the redevelopment of gateway signage.

—Amity Township — $169,735 to buy sewer televising equipment.

—Greater Reading Chamber and Economic Development Corporation — $142,346 for the Franklin Street Transit-Oriented Development Strategic Plan.

—Berks County Redevelopment Authority — $125,000 to convert an old building on Gregg Avenue in Reading into office space.

—Marion Township — $105,650 for the design and engineering phase of the township's southeast sewer system.

—Wernersville — $107,688 for infrastructure repairs to community playgrounds and a borough garage.

—Sinking Spring — $99,893 for a brush chipper at the community yard waste site.

—Birdsboro — $75,708 for a public works pickup truck.

—South Heidelberg Township — $71,350 for upgrades to a police vehicle.

—Brecknock Township — $30,490 for a dump truck.

—Bernville — $20,171 for the replacement of riding mowers.

Sen. Judy Schwank said she is proud to support these projects and thanked local leaders for putting together strong applications that address crucial needs in their communities.

"Having a lengthy list of projects that are forward thinking and worthy of funding is a good problem to have," the Ruscombmanor Township Democrat said. "When you have great projects that fill important local needs, it's easy to make a case for why they deserve support. With this funding, the state is improving public safety, boosting access to recreational areas for disabled individuals, investing in the preservation of iconic Berks County venues and more."

Rep. Mark Gillen said he was happy to advocate for approval of the grant applications for the projects in his district.

"These grants play a significant role in helping to provide the necessary equipment to maintain functional systems and services for our communities and their residents," the Robeson Township Republican said.

Rep. Mark Rozzi said these awards will benefit several projects throughout his district that aim to improve the quality of life for those who live in those communities.

"Thanks to these grants, we can continue upgrading a local park, strengthening ADA accessibility, improving water quality and building up Berks County's infrastructure," the Muhlenberg Township Democrat said. "All of these grants will greatly serve our community and they show how state dollars can go to work for Pennsylvanians."

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz said this funding is critical and she was happy to have helped secure these grants.

"The funds will be used to enhance infrastructure, purchase necessary equipment and provide safety upgrades," the Reading Democrat said. "I am committed to bringing resources and funds to our community."