Reading, PA — October 22, 2024 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced that 16 projects in the 11th Senatorial District have received a total of $6 million in Local Share Account-Statewide grant funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
The LSA program was established under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004, which directs gaming revenue through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest across Pennsylvania. Counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies, and redevelopment authorities are eligible to apply for LSA funding.
Schwank expressed pride in supporting these initiatives, noting that many of the projects are fully funded.
“This investment in Berks County will drive critical projects forward, ensuring they are either fully completed or substantially advanced,” Schwank said. “We are fortunate to have local leaders dedicated to improving their communities and addressing local needs. These grants will directly support essential services, improve public safety, and make a major investment in a critical senior housing project. These tangible investments will benefit all Berks County residents for years to come.”
The 11th Senatorial District projects receiving funding are:
HDC MidAtlantic — $1,000,000 for the Reading Redevelopment Authority, on behalf of HDC MidAtlantic and Landis Quality Living, to demolish structures and complete environmental remediation for the future construction of an affordable senior housing community at S. 6th and Chestnut streets in the City of Reading.
Mount Penn Borough — $800,000 to restore and improve seven streets within the borough.
Reading Public Museum — $636,022 to replace two air handling units and controllers needed to regulate climate and protect the museum’s collection.
Spring Township — $509,828 for improvements to the Spring Township Police Building.
Wyomissing Borough — $500,000 for a new fire apparatus.
Muhlenberg Township Authority — $422,595 to expand public water service by connecting dead ends in the water system at Alabama Avenue, Willow Grove Avenue, Florida Avenue, Poinciana Avenue, and two locations on Pine Heights Road.
Muhlenberg Township — $418,170 for a new fire engine for Muhlenberg Township Fire and Rescue.
Northeast Berks Main Street Foundation — $373,500 for the Greater Berks Development Fund, on behalf of the Northeast Berks Main Street Foundation, for continued renovations to the historic Strand Theatre in Kutztown Borough.
Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority — $330,000 for the rehabilitation of a 500,000-gallon water storage tank in Mount Penn Borough.
Reading Hospital Foundation — $250,000 for the Greater Berks Development Fund, on behalf of the Reading Hospital Foundation, to install an electrophysiology lab.
Shillington Borough — $250,000 to replace a sanitary sewer main along Brobst Street.
Reading Area Water Authority — $191,647 to purchase a fully outfitted dump truck.
Central Berks Regional Police — $160,000 to purchase and outfit a patrol vehicle and utility vehicle for Mount Penn Borough.
Muhlenberg Township Authority — $122,400 to purchase 400 Storz connectors for fire hydrants to reduce response times for first responders.
Lower Alsace Township — $72,921 to replace outdated public works equipment.
Shillington Borough — $56,390 to purchase a valve-turning trailer.
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