Reading, PA — September 15, 2026 — Today, Sen. Judy Schwank (D‑Berks) announced $6,680,028 in grant funding for 24 projects in Berks County through the Local Share Account‑Statewide Program.
The LSA program was established by the Pennsylvania Horse Development and Gaming Act and provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Pennsylvania counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies and redevelopment authorities are eligible to apply to support projects in the public interest.
Schwank said the list of investments will make a lasting impact on Berks County and thanked Reps. Manuel Guzman Jr., Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and Jacklyn Rusnock for supporting applications in their respective districts.
“This is a really strong and comprehensive list of projects that I think we can all feel excited about,” Schwank said. “We are making important investments in critical infrastructure and public safety while also creating new recreational spaces and strengthening social services across Berks County. Overall, I believe today’s awards will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for many members of our community.”
Below are the awarded projects:
Greater Berks Development Fund — $800,000 for Friend, Inc. Community Services to renovate a blighted building in Kutztown into a social services center.
Greater Berks Development Fund — $688,709 to support the Schuylkill River Greenways Association in establishing a new trailhead at Buttonwood Street in the City of Reading and making 5,300 linear feet of improvements to the Riverview section of the Schuylkill River Trail.
Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority — $591,712 to complete Phase 3 of the Crystal Lake Restoration Project. Phase 3 includes restoring 1 mile of walking path and installing an ADA-compliant viewing and fishing platform.
Fleetwood Borough Authority — $570,000 for a new return‑activated sludge control box.
Lyons Borough — $524,460 to make comprehensive improvements to Lyons Park, including pond and streambank restoration, ADA parking, a new trail loop and new park equipment.
Exeter Township — $400,000 to support the construction of a new emergency services building.
Cumru Township — $350,000 for the Lancaster Pike Master Site Plan project.
Reading Area Water Authority — $350,000 to support the purchase of a hydrovac truck.
Muhlenberg Township — $304,106 to replace a culvert along Hill Crest Avenue.
Spring Township — $250,000 to support the expansion of Spring Township’s public works building.
Wyomissing Borough — $250,000 for renovations to the borough’s fire station.
Shillington Borough — $199,567 to construct a new access lane at Shillington Memorial Park.
Muhlenberg Township — $175,000 to assist Muhlenberg Township Fire & Rescue with the purchase of a new fire apparatus.
Sinking Spring Borough — $160,000 to support the purchase of a new wheel loader for general construction activities.
Oley Township — $155,026 for the Oley Fire Company to purchase a new utility truck.
Mount Penn Borough — $150,000 for the Central Berks Regional Police Department to make renovations to its police station.
Kenhorst Borough — $149,999 to renovate Kenhorst Borough Hall.
Muhlenberg Township Authority — $136,480 to extend water mains to the new Wawa under development along the 5th Street Highway.
Mount Penn Borough — $109,764 for renovations to unused basement space at Mount Penn Borough Hall, including ADA-compliant restrooms, offices, meeting rooms and other associated improvements.
Greater Berks Development Fund — $104,328 to assist Opportunity House in replacing a section of roofing at its 430 N. 2nd St. location.
Mount Penn Borough — $84,807 for the Mount Penn Volunteer Fire Company to purchase a light‑duty emergency response vehicle.
County of Berks — $75,000 to replace an aging hazardous materials response vehicle.
Kutztown Borough — $51,669 to purchase and install 12 new radar signs to reduce speeding and improve pedestrian safety.
Maxatawny Township Municipal Authority — $49,401 to purchase two new sampling stations and new pumps.
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