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

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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Schwank, Jozwiak: Reading Airport to Receive $300,000

READING, August 28, 2019 – Gov. Tom Wolf approved $348,750 in grant funds through PennDOT’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, Aviation Development Program, and the Multimodal Fund for Reading Airport to make infrastructure and equipment upgrades State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and State Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-5th District) announced. 

The funds will help Reading Regional Airport acquire snow removal equipment ($18,750), rehabilitate portions of the north and west apron pavement areas ($150,000) and construct a de-icing material storage building ($180,000).

“Reading Regional Airport continues to be an integral part of our local transportation infrastructure and regional economy,” Schwank said.  “This important investment of state resources will help ensure the airport has the operational capabilities to meet the aviation needs of businesses located there and other users of the facility for many years to come.”

“This is an important state investment in one of our region’s valuable assets,” Jozwiak said. “These investments will ensure the airport is able to provide quality and reliable service during the cold winters we experience in our region.  We are fortunate to have an airport, because they add a lot of value to a region’s economic vitality.”

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