The Greater Berks Development Fund (GBDF), an affiliate of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), has announced that it helped secure $750,000 in Local Share Account-Statewide (LSA) grant funding for two local entities.
GBDF was the successful applicant for $600,000 on behalf of The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts for the construction of Phase 1 of the GoggleWorks Arts Park, transforming a neglected urban lot into a vibrant cultural food hub. The grant will help cover site development, a recreation zone and the urban food and tent pavilion.
“The LSA funding is a critical piece for this exciting phase of GoggleWorks. We are appreciative of the efforts of GBDF in the submission of the application as we look to continue our growth in our neighborhood in Downtown Reading,” said Levi Landis, President & Executive Director, GoggleWorks.
Additionally, GBDF helped secure $150,000 on behalf of Building a Better Boyertown for the acquisition of 7.39 acres of land located in Colebrookdale Township. This is for phase one of The Secret Valley Trail Initiative that will connect downtown Boyertown to the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottstown
“We are thrilled to receive a LSA Grant for the Secret Valley Trail project from the Commonwealth Financing Authority, (to be known going forward as the Iron Valley Trail),” said Ellen Martignetti, Main Street Manager, Building a Better Boyertown. “This investment allows us to begin Phase One of the overall trail plan and represents an important step forward for the project. This beautiful property will be transformed into an ADA-compliant nature preserve that the Boyertown community can enjoy for generations.”
GBDF is the Certified Economic Development Organization (CEDO) in Berks County and can facilitate applications for LSA funding, as well as other Department of Community and Economic Development programs.
“The LSA grants will provide critical assistance for two important projects in Berks County. GBDF will continue to advocate for funding for organizations that add to the economic vitality of our community,” said Debra Millman, GBDF President.
