PA awards $7 million for infrastructure projects in Berks

Two dozen Berks County infrastructure projects have received a big funding boost.

Several state lawmakers who represent the county announced this week that the state has awarded 24 municipalities and local authorities $7 million in grants to complete projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to ensure communities have access to reliable transportation and clean drinking water.

“I know from my conversations with local officials that our municipalities and municipal authorities have serious infrastructure needs,” Sen. Judy Schwank said. “This influx of state funding will allow these applicants to complete major projects that meet the needs of residents.”

The Wyomissing Democrat said she is grateful to see this funding return to Berks County, and extended her gratitude to state Reps. Manny Guzman, Jacklyn Rusnock and Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz for supporting applications in their respective districts.

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick said investments in stormwater and sewer systems are essential to protecting public health, preventing flooding and preserving our environment.

“I remain committed to working closely with municipalities across my district to advance critical infrastructure projects like these,” the Montgomery County Republican said.

Sen. Chris Gebhard, a Republican from Lebanon County, added that these projects often carry significant costs, and this funding will help offset expenses tied to these necessary improvements.

“It’s critical to advocate for these projects so the full burden isn’t placed on local municipalities,” he said.

Here are the local recipients of the grants.

Multimodal Transportation Fund

These grants 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-oriented development.

• St. Lawrence was awarded $1.25 million to assist with the installation of sidewalks along St. Lawrence Avenue and North Prospect Street.

• West Reading was awarded $543,180 for pedestrian-safety improvements along Playground Drive.

• Womelsdorf was awarded $500,000 to complete High Street pedestrian and accessibility improvements.

• The Gateway Commerce Center was awarded $500,000 to make improvements at the Southern Berks Industrial Park.

• Reading was awarded $242,596 to create a pedestrian trail connector from Gerry Street to Lancaster Avenue.

• West Reading was awarded $132,047 to install a rapid flashing pedestrian crossing device at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Pine Street.

Small Water and Sewer Program

These grants provide funding to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion or rehabilitation of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system or flood control projects.

• Wyomissing was awarded $454,922 for the second phase of the Lincoln and Brandywine flood-mitigation project.

• Mohnton was awarded $419,666 for the Northridge sewer rehabilitation project.

• West Reading was awarded $400,000 to replace a water main on Seventh Avenue.

• The Maxatawny Township Municipal Authority was awarded $389,160 to support a water main replacement.

• The Muhlenberg Township Authority was awarded $350,000 for a water main replacement along Alsace Road.

• The Robeson Township Municipal Authority was awarded $359,000 to rehabilitate its sanitary sewer collection system.

• Amity Township was awarded $250,000 for its interceptor improvement project along Route 662.

• Laureldale was awarded $249,000 to assist with sewer repair and rehabilitation in the borough.

• Tilden Township was awarded $150,000 to rehabilitate a water tank.

• Windsor Township was awarded $150,000 to restore the Mountain Road storm sewer.

• Lower Alsace Township was awarded $144,413 to continue stormwater remediation at Crystal Lake.

• Wernersville was awarded $114,194 to replace the storm sewer system from North Walnut Street to Elm Street.

• The Berks-Montgomery Municipal Authority was awarded $100,000 for its sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.

• Washington Township was awarded $76,565 for its Weinsteiger Pump Station emergency generator project.

• The Leesport Borough Authority was awarded $75,000 to upgrade the Canal Street sewer main.

• The Centre Township Municipal Authority was awarded $75,000 to rehabilitate the Kingsgate and Hillcrest Estates wastewater treatment plant.

• Bernville was awarded $68,137 to install new sewer system televising technology and $38,101 for supervisory control and data acquisition system upgrades.

• The Reading Regional Airport Authority was awarded $50,000 to improve the industrial park pump station.