Six projects in Berks County have received a combined $6.5 million in grant funding through Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
The mission of the program is to provide money for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
The following grants were announced Thursday:
• Wyomissing received $2 million for facility upgrades to borough hall, the police department and other borough operations.
• The Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $1.5 million to establish a new, centralized emergency services building to streamline operations and allow for faster response times.
• South Heidelberg Township received $1 million to complete interior and exterior improvements to the township municipal complex.
• Alvernia University was awarded $750,000 to support the American House project, the renovation of a history building into a community-based health center on Penn Street in Reading in partnership with the Berks Community Health Center.
• The Next Gen Distribution Hub in South Heidelberg Township received $750,000 to construct a new concrete warehouse. This state-of-the-art facility will consolidate two existing business units into a single distribution hub.
• The Rose Corporation was awarded $500,000 to expand its large-scale industrial metal fabrication facility in Reading to meet growing demand.
Local lawmakers applauded the major investment by the state in these projects.
“It’s my priority to see that the investments we make at the state level have an impact in Berks County,” state Sen. Judy Schwank said in a release. “We have no shortage of projects in the pipeline, which speaks to the fact that our businesses, educational institutions and local governments are experiencing growth.”
State Rep. Manny Guzman said he was proud to have helped secure funding for Alvernia University and the Rose Corporation.
“These investments reflect my commitment to advancing the health, growth and prosperity of the families, workers and communities I represent,” he said.
State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz said she was happy to see Wyomissing receive help through the grant program.
“This will be an exciting development for both the government and residents of Wyomissing,” she said. “This will provide our local law enforcement with new opportunities to continue serving our community, while also expanding opportunities for the borough to support our neighbors.”
In addition to the new police department building, Cepeda-Freytiz said there will be renovations to house reception, offices and council chambers in the current borough hall.