More than $10.2 million in state gaming revenue has been awarded to 41 projects across Berks County, funding improvements ranging from emergency vehicles and municipal equipment to parks, trails, public facilities and infrastructure.
State lawmakers representing Berks County announced the awards Monday through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account Statewide Program.
The program, established through the Pennsylvania Horse Development and Gaming Act, distributes gaming revenue to counties, municipalities, municipal authorities, economic development agencies and redevelopment authorities for projects in the public interest.
Several of the projects were announced by more than one lawmaker.
Among the largest awards was $800,000 to the Greater Berks Development Fund for Friend, Inc. Community Services to renovate a blighted building in Kutztown into a social services center.
The Greater Berks Development Fund also received $688,709 to support the Schuylkill River Greenways Association in establishing a new trailhead at Buttonwood Street in Reading and making improvements along 5,300 linear feet of the Riverview section of the Schuylkill River Trail.
Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority was awarded $591,712 for the third phase of the Crystal Lake Restoration Project at Carsonia Park. The project includes restoring a one-mile walking path, constructing an ADA-compliant viewing and fishing platform and stabilizing more than 1,000 feet of shoreline.
Fleetwood Borough Authority received $570,000 for a new return-activated sludge control box, while Lyons Borough received $524,460 for improvements to Lyons Park, including pond and streambank restoration, ADA parking, a new trail loop and park equipment.
Upper Bern Township was awarded $500,000 for the Shartlesville Community Fire Company to purchase a new fire engine.
Exeter Township received $400,000 to support construction of a new emergency services building, while Rockland Township was awarded $362,478 to purchase a new ambulance for Topton Ambulance.
Several projects received $350,000 awards. Cumru Township will use its funding to develop a master site plan for the Lancaster Pike corridor, Reading Area Water Authority will purchase a hydrovac truck, and Windsor Township received funding for the Hamburg Municipal Authority to construct a building for vehicle and water-resource equipment storage and maintenance.
Muhlenberg Township received $304,106 to replace a culvert along Hillcrest Avenue, and Douglass Township received $300,000 for improvements to Ganshahawny Park. Planned improvements there include parking lot paving, ADA-accessible footpaths, truck and boat parking, separate ramps for boats and emergency vehicles, and a picnic and fishing area.
Womelsdorf Borough was awarded $265,000 for communications equipment for the Womelsdorf Fire Company.
Spring Township and Wyomissing Borough each received $250,000. Spring Township will use its award to expand its public works building, while Wyomissing will use the funding for renovations to its fire station.
Upper Tulpehocken Township received $215,841 to make road improvements along a section of East Fort Road, while Douglass Township received $202,100 to purchase a new backhoe.
Berks County was awarded $200,000 for renovations and safety and security improvements at the Reading Regional Airport terminal.
Shillington Borough received $199,567 to construct a new access lane at Shillington Memorial Park, and Hamburg Borough received $191,060 for upgrades to its public works building, including roof replacement, concrete flooring, restroom improvements and additional office space.
Muhlenberg Township received another $175,000 to assist Muhlenberg Township Fire & Rescue with the purchase of a fire apparatus.
Upper Tulpehocken Township was awarded $161,200 to pave the parking lot at its municipal office, while Sinking Spring Borough received $160,000 for a wheel loader and Heidelberg Township received $160,000 for the Womelsdorf Fire Company to purchase an equipped work truck.
Hereford Township received $157,998 for a new backhoe, and Oley Township received $155,026 for the Oley Fire Company to purchase a utility truck.
Mount Penn Borough received $150,000 for renovations to the Central Berks Regional Police Department station and another $109,764 to renovate approximately 1,000 square feet of unused basement space at borough hall.
Kenhorst Borough was awarded $149,999 for upgrades to borough hall, while Robesonia Borough received $140,000 for a new multipurpose municipal truck and dump body.
Muhlenberg Township Authority received $136,480 to extend water mains to a new Wawa being developed along Fifth Street Highway in Temple.
Opportunity House received $104,328 through the Greater Berks Development Fund to replace a section of roofing at its North Second Street facility in Reading.
The Berks County Redevelopment Authority was awarded $100,000 for restoration work on the historic Colebrookdale Railroad, including bridge rehabilitation, while Centre Township received $100,000 for a utility tractor and loader.
Mount Penn Volunteer Fire Company received $84,807 for a light-duty emergency response vehicle, and Lower Heidelberg Township received $84,000 for Western Berks Fire Department to replace outdated portable radios.
Berks County received $75,000 to replace and outfit an aging hazardous materials response vehicle used by the Department of Emergency Services.
North Heidelberg Township was awarded $57,924 for a skid loader, Kutztown Borough received $51,669 to install 12 radar signs aimed at reducing speeding and improving pedestrian safety, and Maxatawny Township Municipal Authority received $49,401 for two sampling stations and new pumps.
Sen. Judy Schwank said the funding represented investments across a range of community needs.
“We are making important investments in critical infrastructure and public safety while also creating new recreational spaces and strengthening social services across Berks County,” Schwank said. “Overall, I believe today’s awards will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for many members of our community.”
The Berks County awards were announced by Schwank, Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, Sen. Chris Gebhard and state Reps. Manuel Guzman Jr., Jacklyn Rusnock, Jamie Barton and Eric Weaknecht.