Several Berks County communities will receive more than $200,000 in state funding for infrastructure and public safety projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account – Category 4 Facilities Program. The funding, secured with the support of Sen. Tracy Pennycuick and Rep. Mark Gillen, will benefit Boyertown, Washington Township, and Amity Township.
Boyertown Borough will receive $66,462 to assist with renovations at the Boyertown YMCA. The borough applied for the grant on behalf of the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, which plans to convert an underutilized space into a 2,600-square-foot family locker room. The renovation aims to improve accessibility and better serve the community’s needs. “I advocated for these grants because public infrastructure and recreation are essential for healthy communities, but come with a significant price tag,” Pennycuick said. “It’s important that our residents in Berks County receive the assistance they need to complete these worthy projects.”
Washington Township will receive two separate grants for emergency response improvements. A $30,681 grant will be used to replace the township’s 30-year-old communication system by purchasing a UHF repeater, 15 mobile radios, and eight handheld radios. The upgrade is expected to improve emergency response times and coverage. The township will also receive $100,000 to purchase and install an emergency generator at the Weinsteiger Road Pump Station, ensuring the sewer system remains operational during power outages or severe weather events.
Amity Township will receive $21,788 to purchase solar-powered speed radar signs, which will be placed in high-risk areas such as school zones and residential neighborhoods. “I am always happy to see investments like these made in our Berks County communities,” Pennycuick said. “The newly purchased equipment will help ensure the township’s roadways are safe for residents and visitors to use for many years to come.”
Gillen emphasized the importance of the radar signs in improving safety and reducing costs for the township. “As I believe it is imperative to support efforts that enhance the safety and well-being of my constituent communities, I am pleased to have assisted Amity Township in securing funding for their solar signs project,” he said. “This signage will help reduce the township’s energy costs and provide remote locations with a dependable source of power.”
The Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, administers these grants to support economic and community development projects. The program is funded by revenue generated from Pennsylvania casinos.
