Schwank Announces $762,773 in Grant Funding for Berks County Communities

Reading, PA − March 18, 2026 − State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) today announced $762,773 in Local Share Account - Category 4 Facilities Program grant funding for 11 projects in the 11th Senatorial District.

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act (Act 71 of 2004) provides for the distribution of gaming revenues from Category 4 licensed facilities through the Commonwealth Financing Authority to support projects in the public interest within host counties.

Berks is one of four Pennsylvania counties with a Category 4 licensed gaming facility, with Cumberland, Westmoreland and York being the others. Counties, municipalities, economic development agencies and redevelopment authorities are eligible to apply.

"We have a wide range of projects here that address real needs in public safety, emergency services and equipment," Schwank said. "These are investments that will serve Berks County communities for years to come."

The following LSA-Category 4 Program projects received funding:

Berks County - $150,000 to support the purchase and upfitting of a new crime scene response vehicle.

Sinking Spring Borough - $113,304 to support the purchase of a new wheel loader.

Shillington Borough - $103,598 for a new dump truck.

Greater Berks Development Fund - $94,894 to purchase a van for the Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County for use in West Reading.

Lyons Borough - $92,534 to support park improvements and pond and stream restoration.

Muhlenberg Township - $85,000 to purchase a utility truck for Muhlenberg Township Fire and Rescue.

Cumru Township - $30,000 to purchase a police vehicle equipped with upfits for a canine therapy unit.

Mount Penn Borough - $28,300 to support Phase 1 of Central Regional Police station renovations.

Mohnton Borough - $23,313 to assist with the purchase and upfitting of a police vehicle.

Berks County - $21,666 for audio and video upgrades at the Department of Emergency Services Fire Training Facility.

Shillington Borough - $20,164 to purchase a new mower.

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