PA legislators announce more than $1.4 million in grants coming to Berks

State lawmakers have announced that communities across Berks County will receive a total of more than $1.4 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 Wednesday:

• Union Township will receive $162,080 to purchase a new truck for their public works department.

• Berks County will receive $150,000 to support the purchase and upfitting of a new crime scene response vehicle.

• Sinking Spring will receive $113,304 to support the purchase of a new wheel loader.

• Shillington will receive $103,598 for a new dump truck.

• The Greater Berks Development Fund will receive $94,894 to purchase a van for the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County for use in West Reading.

• Lyons will receive $92,534 to support park improvements and restoration efforts of Lyons Park Pond.

• Hereford Township will receive $92,000 to replace an undersized culvert and for associated drainage improvements under Camp Mensch Mill Road near Conrad Road.

• Muhlenberg Township will receive $85,000 to purchase a utility truck for Muhlenberg Township Fire and Rescue.

• Hamburg, on behalf of Union Fire Company, will receive $81,898 to purchase vehicle rescue tools to free accident victims who are trapped.

• Womelsdorf, on behalf of the Volunteer Fire Company of Womelsdorf, will receive $75,101 to upgrade water supply equipment including ladders, intake and discharge valves, hoses and nozzles.

• North Heidelberg Township, on behalf of Bernville Community Fire Company, will receive $65,000 to purchase a 400-gallon skid unit for their brush truck.

• Shoemakersville will receive $63,806 for electrical upgrades to the concession building, restrooms and bandshell at Shoemakersville Park.

• Robeson Township will receive $38,932 to purchase seven Tasers for use by police.

• Cumru Township will receive $30,000 to purchase a police vehicle equipped with upfits for a canine therapy unit.

• Mount Penn will receive $28,300 to support the first phase of Central Berks Regional Police station renovations.

• Washington Township will receive $26,165 for the purchase and installation of nine surveillance cameras at several of its facilities.

• South Heidelberg Township will receive $24,769 to purchase portable radios and decking systems for the South Heidelberg Township Police Department.

•Mohnton will receive $23,313 to assist with the purchase and upfitting of a police vehicle.

• Berks County will receive $21,666 for audio and video upgrades at the Department of Emergency Services Fire Training Facility.

• Shillington will receive $20,164 to purchase a new mower.

• Robeson Township will receive $17,226 to purchase new firearms to enhance officer safety and strengthen community protection by replacing outdated and unreliable firearms.

• Heidelberg Township, on behalf of Womelsdorf Volunteer Fire Company Relief Association, will receive $9,635 to purchase battery-operated hand tools.

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.

“We have a wide range of projects here that address real needs in public safety, emergency services and equipment,” the Wyomissing Democrat said. “These are investments that will serve Berks County communities for years to come.”

Sen. Chris Gebhard, along with Reps. Eric Weaknecht and Jamie Barton, issued a joint release announcing the recipients of the grants. In the release, the lawmakers said they are grateful to see the funding invested back into local emergency services.

“This grant funding will go a long way in improving the lives of district residents through improved public safety and recreational opportunities,” said Weaknecht, a Lower Heidelberg Township Republican. “I’m proud to have helped secure the funding for our area.”

Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz said she was happy to have helped secure grants to go toward the purchase of government vehicles in three communities in her district.

“Vehicles can be costly, yet very important purchases for our communities,” the Reading Democrat said. “These vehicles will help with snow removal, waste cleanup, getting our children to school and activities. I am proud to support these projects, and I will keep working to ensure our district has the funding it deserves.”

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick said the grants she advocated for will improve public safety and stormwater management — two components of healthy communities that come with hefty price tags.

“I’m very happy to help secure these funds,” the Montgomery County Republican said. “These grants will allow our communities to invest in the projects and equipment they need most.”