Senator Judy Schwank Secures $2.8 Million for Berks County Community and Transportation Infrastructure Projects – BCTV
Senator Judy Schwank Secures $2.8 Million for Berks County Community and Transportation Infrastructure Projects bctv.org
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Senator Judy Schwank Announces Funding for Transportation Projects
On Tuesday, March 26, Senator Judy Schwank (D-Berks) announced $2,806,766 in grant funding for transportation projects in the 11th Senatorial District. The funding comes from the Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) and the Local Share Account-Category 4 Facilities Program, both administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF)
The MTF grants provide financial assistance to various entities, including municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and rail and freight ports. The aim is to improve public transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization.
Senator Schwank emphasized the importance of these investments in Berks County’s infrastructure, stating that they will provide safer and more accessible transportation options for pedestrians and motorists. The projects funded through the MTF program range from intersection construction to road reconstruction and sidewalk installations, all contributing to the development of vibrant and interconnected communities.
Funded MTF Projects
- CG Broadcast, LLC – $667,249 to construct two intersections for a planned mixed-use community in Spring Township.
- Mount Penn Borough – $653,716 for road reconstruction along Endlich Avenue.
- Maxatawny Township – $457,935 to install sidewalks and related roadway improvements along Kutztown Road.
- West Reading Borough – $253,851 for pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements along Ann Street, including curbing, sidewalks, and handicap ramp accesses.
- ReFined Plastics, LLC – $148,470 to repair the bridge that carries Poplar Neck Road over railroad tracks in Cumru Township.
Local Share Account-Category 4 Facilities Program (LSA-Category 4)
In addition to the MTF funding, the Commonwealth Financing Authority also approved $625,545 in grant funding for projects within the 11th Senatorial District through the LSA-Category 4 Program. This program specifically supports projects in counties with Category 4 licensed gaming facilities, including Berks, Westmoreland, and York Counties.
Funded LSA-Category 4 Program Projects
- St. Lawrence Borough – $222,093 for the purchase of a new Bobcat skid steer loader, Pavijet mini paver, and a Caterpillar asphalt compactor.
- St. Lawrence Borough – $104,607 for the purchase of a multipurpose vehicle to assist with road plowing and salting, increased dump capacity for waste removal and road maintenance, and reliable transportation through rough conditions such as flooding and ice.
- Berks County Redevelopment Authority – $104,607 to purchase a rail car mover for the facility at Titus Station on behalf of Recycle the World, Inc.
- Sinking Spring Borough – $88,583 for pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of Penn Avenue and South Hull Street.
- Wyomissing Borough – $53,352 on behalf of the Wyomissing Fire Department for the purchase of a new ladder truck aerial apparatus.
- Spring Township – $52,303 for improvements to the Spring Township Police Building.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
- SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Investment in infrastructure projects (MTF grants) to improve public transportation assets and enhance communities.
- Funding for road reconstruction, sidewalk installations, and pedestrian safety improvements.
- Purchase of equipment and vehicles for road maintenance and waste removal.
- Purchase of a rail car mover for recycling facility.
- Purchase of a new ladder truck aerial apparatus for the fire department.
- Funding for improvements to police buildings.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. | – Investment in infrastructure projects (MTF grants) to improve public transportation assets and enhance communities. – Funding for road reconstruction, sidewalk installations, and pedestrian safety improvements. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems. | – Investment in infrastructure projects (MTF grants) to improve public transportation assets and enhance communities. – Funding for road reconstruction, sidewalk installations, and pedestrian safety improvements. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Investment in infrastructure projects (MTF grants) to improve public transportation assets and enhance communities. – Funding for road reconstruction, sidewalk installations, and pedestrian safety improvements. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: bctv.org
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