State Senator Judy Schwank, State Representative Manuel Guzman Jr., and State Senator Tracy Pennycuick have announced a series of grants totaling nearly $10 million to support a wide range of projects across Berks County. The funding, provided through the Local Share Account (LSA) and Public Schools Facility Improvement Grant programs, will address key infrastructure needs, enhance community services, and support educational improvements, with significant investments in local schools and housing initiatives.
Senator Schwank celebrated the allocation of $3.77 million to three school districts within the 11th Senatorial District, which will be used to address critical upgrades and renovations as part of the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. Antietam School District received $2.5 million for the Stony Creek Emergency K-3 Addition and Flood Recovery Project, while Fleetwood Area School District was awarded $800,000 to implement energy and climate-related improvements at the high school. Kutztown Area School District received $475,000 to upgrade the HVAC systems in elementary and middle schools.
“We know that school buildings all across Pennsylvania are in need of serious repairs, and the new Public School Facility Improvement Grant is a tremendous opportunity for the state to make meaningful investments that our students deserve,” Schwank said. “I’m proud to see these important projects receive funding and applaud these school districts for putting together strong applications.”
Beyond education, Schwank also announced $6 million in LSA funding for various projects across Berks County. These grants will drive critical initiatives forward, supporting essential services, public safety, and community development. Among the highlights is $1 million secured for HDC MidAtlantic through the Reading Redevelopment Authority. This funding will help redevelop a blighted site at S. 6th and Chestnut streets in Reading into a new affordable senior housing community, featuring 46 apartments for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Schwank emphasized the importance of this project, saying, “The Cornerstone project will not only provide housing for those most in need, but it will also facilitate the adaptive reuse of a blighted building in a strategically important area of the city.”
Representative Guzman also underscored the significance of the Chestnut Street project, which he supported, noting that the facility will help address housing insecurity by providing a safe and dignified place to live for seniors and individuals with disabilities. “Combating housing insecurity and supporting our seniors are top priorities in my work. This major investment will help us support individuals with disabilities and seniors by providing a safe and dignified place to live,” Guzman said.
Guzman also announced a separate $250,000 grant for the replacement of a sanitary sewer main along Brobst Street in Shillington Borough. “Another vital investment will go toward a much-needed replacement of a sanitary sewer main along Brobst Street in Shillington,” he said. “Among multiple benefits, this will ensure uninterrupted sanitary sewer service to local businesses and residents.”
Senator Tracy Pennycuick highlighted additional efforts within Berks County, including $366,568 for Bally Borough to renovate its municipal building and purchase an emergency generator. Topton Borough received $419,438 to acquire a new EMS vehicle for the local ambulance service, while Bechtelsville Borough was awarded $69,103 to upgrade playground equipment at Bechtelsville Park.
Pennycuick expressed gratitude for the opportunity to support these projects, noting, “This funding will be used to support emergency services, rebuild crucial infrastructure, and improve the public spaces we share and enjoy. I look forward to seeing all the great work our communities will accomplish very soon.”
With nearly $10 million in combined funding, these grants represent a concerted effort by local leaders to address essential infrastructure, enhance public services, and improve the quality of life for residents across Berks County. From education and housing to emergency services and community spaces, the investments promise to deliver lasting benefits and foster continued growth and development throughout the region.