The administration of Governor Josh Shapiro has announced an expanded round of state funding through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), committing a total of $18.75 million to eight impactful projects across Berks County. These grants are expected to drive economic growth, improve community services, and revitalize key areas in Reading and Exeter Township, supporting both local infrastructure and workforce development in the region.
This funding marks a significant investment in Berks County’s future. The RACP funds will enable local organizations to expand services, improve facilities, and contribute to economic stability and job creation. Governor Shapiro underscored the importance of these initiatives, stating, “My Administration is investing $600 million to revitalize communities, expand our agricultural sector, create more opportunity for our workers and so much more. Pennsylvania is open for business, and my Administration will continue to work with the private sector, nonprofits, and organized labor to make our Commonwealth a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation.”
Sen. Schwank also expressed enthusiasm for the projects selected in Berks County, particularly the GoggleWorks II project in Reading, which will transform a long-blighted building into a vibrant community hub. “This round of grant funding speaks to the tremendous energy and economic potential in Reading and Berks County,” Schwank said. “I’m proud to see these projects receive funding, and I’m especially grateful to have worked alongside Gov. Shapiro to secure a substantial investment for the GoggleWorks II adaptive reuse project. This project will not only provide people in need with hot, ready-to-eat meals through Helping Harvest but will also breathe new life into a historically blighted building.”
The projects funded in Berks County include:
Our City Reading, Inc. received $5 million for the GoggleWorks II adaptive reuse project. This investment will convert a long-neglected building on Washington Street in Reading into a hub for community resources, housing three nonprofit organizations, including Helping Harvest and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts. The renovated space will offer essential resources, including meals, arts programs, and community engagement opportunities.
ByHeart, Inc. was awarded an additional $5 million to expand its infant formula manufacturing facility in Exeter Township. This funding supports construction, infrastructure upgrades, and land acquisition, allowing ByHeart to increase production capacity, streamline packaging, and improve efficiency. ByHeart, one of only four fully integrated, FDA-approved baby formula brands in the United States, has emerged as a key player in Berks County’s economic landscape, offering employment opportunities and strengthening local supply chains.
Other Berks County projects receiving RACP funding in this round include:
Alvernia University was granted $2 million for its American House project, a collaboration with the Berks Community Health Center. The project will create a community-based health center on Penn Street in Reading, expanding healthcare access for residents in the greater Reading area.
The Rose Corporation was awarded $1 million to upgrade its industrial metal fabrication facility in Reading. These enhancements will increase the facility’s capacity and help meet rising demand, supporting local manufacturing jobs.
Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department received $500,000 to establish a new, centralized Emergency Services Main Facility in the township, aimed at improving response efficiency and coordination across emergency services.
East Penn Manufacturing was awarded $250,000 for an addition to its wastewater treatment plant, supporting the facility’s sustainability and capacity as it meets increasing demand.
Altogether, these grants align with a larger $600 million RACP initiative from the Shapiro administration, focused on supporting projects statewide to stimulate economic growth, enhance community services, and create jobs.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), managed by the Governor’s Office of the Budget, funds essential design, acquisition, and construction projects with broad regional impacts. RACP investments are part of a broader economic strategy by the Shapiro administration to make Pennsylvania more competitive through public-private partnerships, job creation, and community revitalization. Since taking office, the Governor’s administration has aimed to streamline the RACP application process, making it more accessible for businesses and local organizations.
As Berks County continues to benefit from these strategic investments, residents and local businesses alike can expect positive ripple effects across the community. From improving healthcare and emergency response services to revitalizing blighted properties and supporting local manufacturing, this funding reflects Governor Shapiro’s focus on strengthening local economies and creating opportunities for Pennsylvanians across the state.