Schwank Helps Secure $2.8 Million CFA Grant for Berks County Industrial Development Authority

July 19, 2022

Reading − July 19, 2022 − This morning, the Commonwealth Financing Authority voted to approve over $2.8 million in grant funding to the Berks County Industrial Development. 

In addition to the $2.8 million, BCIA will also receive a $4.2 million loan from the commonwealth. The financial assistance will go towards redeveloping a former World War II base within Berks Park 183 adjacent to the Reading Airport. The site has been vacant for 80 years. Renovations to the site will include excavation, water and sewer, utilities, storm water management, road improvements, and landscaping. 

“It’s great to see Berks County continue to take advantage of state resources and take on big revitalization projects,” Sen. Judy Schwank said. “Redevelopment around the Reading Airport has been ongoing for many years and there is still a lot of work to be done, but this substantial award will go a long way toward bringing a space that’s sat lifeless for decades back to prominence. This project in particular checks all the boxes. It leverages state funds to support development, which will provide good jobs for area residents and generate substantial future economic growth.” 

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State Infrastructure Loan for Reading Airport Industrial/Business Park

July 1, 2016

HARRISBURG — July 1, 2016 — The Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BCIDA) was approved today by the Commonwealth Financing Authority for a state low-interest Business In Our Sites (BIOS) loan in the amount of $1,119,709 to improve electrical infrastructure at the Reading Airport Industrial/Business Park located in Bern Township, according State Senator Judy Schwank.

Senator Schwank noted that the funds will help the Authority pay for needed work to extend power lines and install related infrastructure to expand electrical power capacity and availability at the airport, which will accommodate existing and future industrial development and growth in the area.

“The Reading Airport holds tremendous potential for development and the BCIDA and the local officials have been working diligently to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to entice new businesses to locate here,” said Senator Schwank.“This investment of state funds will help put us in a better position to attract new ventures to our area and promote job growth.”

Senator Schwank noted that the Business In Our Sites Program provides loans for the acquisition and development of key sites for future use by businesses, private developers, and others. The program is administered through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (“CFA”).

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