HARRISBURG — Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) and Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) today announced state grants totaling $2 million were awarded to two projects to improve municipal infrastructure in Lebanon and Berks counties.
“I am pleased to see these state dollars invested in Lebanon and Berks counties,” Gebhard said. “By supporting these projects, we are strengthening local policing and improving public spaces for thousands of local residents.”
Lebanon City was awarded $1 million to convert an existing surface lot into a five-level municipal parking garage, a key piece of downtown revitalization efforts. The project also received a federal grant of $1 million supported by Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) earlier this year.
“This is fantastic news for the City of Lebanon,” Schlegel said. “A new parking garage will provide expanded parking options right in the heart of downtown Lebanon, providing spaces for more visitors to our community. The design of this garage will also be consistent with the historic character of downtown Lebanon, which will ensure the garage fits perfectly with the surrounding area.”
“As we have worked with developers and business leaders, one message has been consistent: Additional long-term parking is essential before they are willing to make significant private investments in downtown Lebanon,” said Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello. “By providing dedicated long-term parking for employees and residents, the garage will free up valuable on-street spaces for customers and visitors, making our downtown more accessible while encouraging new businesses, housing and economic development.”
South Heidelberg Township was awarded $1 million for critical upgrades to the municipal services building, including establishing a dedicated, secure entrance for the police department. The project also includes redesigning the parking area for patrol vehicles, improving access to the public parking lot, creating new police department offices and renovating township administrative areas to provide more efficient access to township services.
“This grant funding provides crucial resources to upgrade our department’s safety measures, protecting our officers and enabling them to fulfill their duties more effectively,” said South Heidelberg Police Chief J. Matthew Hook. “Furthermore, these safety improvements will foster a more secure environment for residents when visiting police facilities or engaging with our personnel.
“On behalf of the South Heidelberg Township Police Department, I want to express my gratitude to Sen. Gebhard for his steadfast commitment to our officers. Sen. Gebhard’s continued support helps ensure that we can faithfully protect and serve the citizens of South Heidelberg Township, Wernersville Borough, Robesonia Borough and Heidelberg Township as well as provide school resource officer services to the Conrad Weiser School District.
“Additionally, I wish to extend my appreciation to the South Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors, alongside our municipal partners and local council members. Their ongoing partnership is vital in empowering our department to provide exceptional police services to the entire community.”
The funding was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are state-funded and cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.