State officials announced multiple rounds of grant funding this week that will bring several million dollars in state investment to infrastructure and transportation projects across Berks County, supporting upgrades to water, sewer, stormwater and pedestrian facilities.
Funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) through programs including the PA Small Water and Sewer Program and the Multimodal Transportation Fund, which support municipal infrastructure improvements statewide.
Water, sewer and stormwater projects
Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) announced that Berks County municipalities were among those receiving nearly $1.2 million through the PA Small Water and Sewer Program.
“Water and sewer projects often carry significant costs, and this funding will help offset expenses tied to these necessary improvements,” Gebhard said. “It’s critical to advocate for these projects so the full burden isn’t placed on local municipalities.”
Berks County projects funded through that announcement include:
- Tilden Township – $150,000 to rehabilitate a water tank.
- Bernville Borough – $68,137 for new sewer system televising technology and $38,101 for supervisory control and data acquisition system upgrades and autodialer improvements.
- Centre Township Municipal Authority – $75,000 to rehabilitate the Kingsgate & Hillcrest Estates wastewater treatment plant.
- Reading Regional Airport Authority – $50,000 to improve the industrial park pump station.
- Windsor Township – $150,000 to restore the Mountain Road storm sewer.
- Leesport Borough Authority – $75,000 to upgrade the Canal Street sewer main.
- Wernersville Borough – $114,194 to replace the storm sewer system from North Walnut Street to Elm Street.
- Clay Township – $216,118 to repair the sewer system.
Additional sewer funding affecting Berks County was announced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), who said grants totaling nearly $3 million were awarded across her district through the same program.
“Investments in our stormwater and sewer systems are essential to protecting public health, preventing flooding, and preserving our environment,” Pennycuick said. “I remain committed to working closely with municipalities across my district to advance critical infrastructure projects like these.”
Berks County projects included in Pennycuick’s announcement were:
- Berks-Montgomery Municipal Authority – $100,000 for a sanitary sewer rehabilitation project.
- Amity Township – $250,000 for interceptor improvements along Route 662.
Transportation and pedestrian improvements
Gebhard also announced more than $1 million in Multimodal Transportation Fund grants benefiting Berks and Lancaster counties. In Berks County, Womelsdorf Borough received $500,000 for streetscape improvements along 2nd, 3rd and High streets.
“These projects will protect driver and pedestrian safety and ensure a reliable roadway system for our communities,” Gebhard said.
In the 129th Legislative District, state Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks) announced more than $1.5 million in approved funding for projects in Wyomissing and West Reading.
“We will see long-needed repairs to our infrastructure and investments in the safety of our pedestrians with this new funding,” Cepeda-Freytiz said. “I continue to ensure that our community gets the state funding it deserves, and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition.”
Projects funded in her district include:
- Wyomissing – $454,922 for Phase 2 of the Lincoln and Brandywine flood mitigation project.
- West Reading – $400,000 for watermain replacements.
- West Reading – $543,180 to repair curbs and add a handicap-accessible ramp on Playground Drive.
- West Reading – $132,047 to install a rapid flashing pedestrian crossing device at Fifth Avenue and Pine Street.
In the City of Reading, state Rep. Manuel Guzman (D-Berks) announced $242,596 in Multimodal Transportation Fund support for the Gerry Street Connector Project, which will create a pedestrian trail connection between Gerry Street and the Lancaster Avenue Plaza.
“This funding will deliver a vital pedestrian connector for our community,” Guzman said. “The Gerry Street Connector Project will improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for residents and visitors, while strengthening links between our neighborhoods.”
He added, “This investment also reflects my ongoing commitment to building infrastructure that promotes walkability and improves quality of life in Reading.”
The Commonwealth Financing Authority administers both grant programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, providing financial support for local infrastructure projects across the state.
