Senators David G. Argall (R-29) and Mike Folmer (R-48) joined county officials to announce an investment through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for infrastructure projects at Berks Park 28 on Wednesday March 27.
Joining the Senators were Berks County Commissioners Kevin Barnhardt and Christian Leinbach and Berks County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Tom McKeon.
According to a release from Senator David G. Argall, the RACP award includes $500.000 for the Berks Park 78 Domestic Water Supply System. This system will serve the business in the 323-acre industrial park.
‘This grant will help us to complete the domestic water supply system for the part,’ said McKeon. He noted that building infrastructure was essential in being able to attract both Dollar General and PetSmart.
Argall and Folmer commented on the positive economic impact the site will have regionally.
‘This is a commitment form the state that we want to bring private-sector jobs to Berks County,’ said Argall. ‘This park has the potential to bring hundreds of good-paying jobs right here to Berks County and neighboring counties.’
Folmer added that to attract perspective business and industry, there needs to be infrastructure in place to supply their needs and he is hopeful for what this means for the economy and job-seekers.
The County Commissioners stated the regional importance the project and grants will help establish this as an opportunity for job creation.
‘The RACP grant is another positive sign of the value of Berks Park 28 to the Commonwealth as a regional job creator,’ said Barnhardt.
Leinbach added that this can provide the right environment to attract private sector jobs. ‘The commitment of Dollar General and PetSmart to Bethel Park 78 will generate over 1,000 good jobs for our citizens,’ he said.
Berks Park 78 will house distribution centers for Dollar General and PetSmart. There are still two other sites available.
