Four projects in Berks County have received a total of $408,000 in grant funding through Pennsylvania’s Community Financing Authority.
The mission of the grant program is to strengthen communities, enhance infrastructure and spur economic development across Pennsylvania.
“By investing in projects that protect our environment and strengthen our infrastructure, we’re building safer, healthier and stronger communities across Pennsylvania,” Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Siger said in a release.
The following grants were announced Thursday:
• Reading has received $183,600 to complete the final phase of its skatepark at 600 Canal St..
State Sen. Judy Schwank was a supporter of the project receiving money. The Wyomissing Democrat said the funds will be used to install lighting and shade structures.
She said the award creates new opportunities for the skatepark to host events, attract more visitors, expand hours and improve safety.
“We’ve seen how well received the skatepark has been since it opened,” she said. “It creates a sense of community and opportunity for those who use it, and adding lighting opens the door to more events and will help us draw more interest from folks outside of Berks County.”
Mayor Eddie Moran said the award builds on a valued community amenity in the city.
“The Reading Skatepark has become an important community space, and this funding will allow it to be used safely for more hours throughout the year,” he said.
Reading Skatepark Association President J.D. Turner echoed those sentiments, saying the funding will significantly expand access to the facility.
“Everyone from the Reading Skatepark Association and the action sports community is very excited about this grant being used toward lighting up our skatepark,” he said. “With the added hours of use, park users will be able to recreate during winter hours when many get off work and it’s dark outside due to daylight saving time, or to get a break from the extreme heat and sun exposure in the warmer seasons.”
• The Berks County Conservation District has been awarded $143,403 for the Oysterville Creek stream restoration project to alleviate traffic safety and environmental issues in Pike Township.
State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick and state Rep. David Maloney advocated for the funding.
Pennycuick said she was proud to support the project.
“This funding will allow the conservation district to move forward with essential stormwater and roadway improvements at a site in urgent need of attention,” said the Montgomery County Republican, who also represents part of Berks. “The proposed work will not only enhance vehicle safety but will also contribute to the health and resilience of the surrounding ecosystem.”
Maloney agreed that the project will help restore the ecological health of Oysterville Creek and local wetlands. It will coincide with work currently underway to replace a series of culverts along the adjacent section of Oysterdale Road, including the culvert that will receive flow from the restored tributary.
“Oysterville Creek and adjacent wetlands are severely threatened due to an unnamed tributary that had diverted from its original flow path approximately 20 years ago,” the Pike Township Republican. “Oysterdale Road experiences flooding due to the diverted flow creating hazardous conditions for traffic that has significantly increased in recent years.”
• CG Broadcasting has been awarded $68,986 to build a pedestrian connector and loop trail as part of its mixed-use development at the intersection of Route 222, Broadcasting Road, North Meridian Boulevard and Paper Mill Road in Spring Township.
• Wernersville has received $12,452 to design a playground.