Senator Gebhard E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Gebhard Announces More Than $9.4 Million in Grants for Berks and Lebanon Counties
  • Veterans Appreciation Lunch on Nov. 9 at Cabelas
  • Cornwall-Lebanon School District Veterans Breakfast
  • Direct Wire and Cable Tour in The District
  • New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient
  • Shooting Ranges Open to the Public
  • Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications
  • Local Events

Gebhard Announces More Than $9.4 Million in Grants for Berks and Lebanon Counties

This week, I was pleased to announce state grants totaling more than $9.4 million in four Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grants were awarded to the district.

  • $4.7 million to construct Moceri Drive, a new road to prepare the site for the construction of the Perry Commercial Center for further economic development across Perry Township and Shoemakersville in Berks County.  The construction costs will be used for the road work, signalization, earth work, stormwater management, electrical and more needed to create the new road and prepare space for the commercial center to be built.
  • $4 million will be used to construct a new exposition center building in the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center complex in North Cornwall Township in Lebanon County. The project will be built on the existing property owned by the applicant. No additional property or real estate will need to be acquired to complete this project.
  • $500,000 for the Abbott Furnace Company to build a 100,000 square foot production facility in Bern Township in Berks County. The facility will be located on an eight-acre parcel and consist of 95,000 square foot of production space for metal burning, cutting, shearing, fitting, welding, refractory insulation installation, plumbing, electrical and painting.
  • $250,000 for Whole Plants LLC in Lebanon City, Lebanon County. These funds will support the construction of up to three retail dispensaries so Whole Plants Health can sell products directly to their patients. The project includes construction of flower rooms, drying rooms, a break room, men’s and women’s locker and restrooms, laboratory and administrative offices for each facility.

I am pleased to see these grant requests approved and state dollars being invested for important economic development projects in Lebanon and Berks counties. It is great to see the Lebanon Expo get support at the state level as well because it is an important regional attraction for the entire Lebanon Valley.

RACP is 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.

Veterans Appreciation Lunch on Nov. 9 at Cabelas

It is not too late to sign up for our veteran’s appreciation lunch this Saturday, Nov. 9, at Cabela’s, 100 Cabela Drive, Hamburg. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and the program commencing at noon.

The men and women who have defended the American ideals we hold dear have influenced the history of the country, ensuring that we can continue to enjoy our many freedoms. I look forward to personally thanking the veterans who are able to attend the lunch we are hosting.

Col. Frank Ryan, UMCR-retired, former state representative and Iraq War veteran will be the keynote speaker.

Veterans are welcome to bring one guest. Please RSVP to my district office by calling 610-562-3411 or signing up online at SenatorGebhard.com/veterans-lunch-reg.

Cornwall-Lebanon School District Veterans Breakfast

I was pleased to attend the Cornwall-Lebanon School District‘s Veterans Day Breakfast this morning. They honored employees who served and students who are entering into the military.

Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a time to appreciate the brave men and women who selflessly dedicated their time to preserve our beloved American freedoms.

We are blessed with the number of veterans in our community. Sometimes it is all too easy to forget the ultimate sacrifices so many have made. This Veterans Day weekend, please remember to thank a veteran that you know.

Direct Wire and Cable Tour in Lancaster

Last week, I was thrilled to stop by Direct Wire’s new copper rod mill in Lancaster. This new manufacturing plant will complement their existing facility in Stevens, where they produce rubber jacketed electrical wire and cable.

It is exciting to see the growth of this locally owned business offering high-end manufacturing jobs utilizing state of the art technologies. Congratulations to the Witwers and everyone at Direct Wire.

New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system will be more efficient because of legislation unanimously passed by Senate Republicans that is now law.

Act 126 of 2024 moves more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit. Individuals entitled to compensation may request funds be deposited into an account of their choosing. The law also allows insurers to no longer have to offer paper checks as a payment as long as the individual has a bank account that accepts direct deposit.

The reforms, which are also more cost-effective, were unanimously recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.

Shooting Ranges Open to the Public

Whether you’re a hunter preparing for rifle season or would simply like to maintain your shooting skills for self-defense, you can take aim at a public shooting range.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers recreation opportunities at public rifle, pistol, archery and shotgun ranges on 40 state game lands throughout the state. It constructed or renovated more than a dozen public shooting ranges this year alone, with plans to upgrade more.

You must possess an annual shooting range permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license to use the public shooting ranges. Find a shooting range near you.

Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two grant opportunities for qualifying organizations to capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.

The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities on PA waterways. Townships, boroughs and municipal and county governments can learn more and apply online by Nov. 30.

The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Grant Program will reimburse up to $25,000 for eligible expenses that support R3-related educational programs and increase learning opportunities for anglers and boaters. Learn more and apply online by Dec. 6.

Local Events

Thursday, November 7-23: Fall Fest Days At Refreshing Mountain
455 Camp Rd, Stevens (Lancaster, PA)
Click here

Friday, November 8-10: Distelfink Country Christmas Craft Show
106 N. Market St, Schaefferstown (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Friday, November 8-9: Heidelberg Heritage Society Christmas Bazaar
182 W. Penn Ave, Wernersville (Berks, PA)
Click here

Friday, November 8-9, 10am-4pm: Quilt Show – Lebanon Quilters Guild
Lebanon Expo Center (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Saturday, November 9, 9am-2pm: Annville-Cleona Craft Show
Annville Cleona High School (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Saturday, November 9, 9am-3pm: Conrad Weiser Craft Show
Conrad Weiser High School (Berks, PA)
Click here

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