BETHEL – 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 78.
The local Senators were joined by Berks County Commissioners Kevin Barnhardt and Christian Leinbach and Berks County Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Tom McKeon for the announcement.
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Specifically, the RACP award includes $500,000 for the Berks Park 78 Domestic Water Supply System. The system will serve the businesses in the 323-acre industrial park.
“This grant will help us to complete the domestic water supply system for the park,” McKeon noted. “Building infrastructure like this was essential to being able to attract Dollar General and PetSmart. We are sincerely grateful to the Governor and Senators Argall and Folmer for their help.”
Argall and Folmer noted the positive economic impact the site will have for the region.
“This investment is a commitment from the state that we want to bring private-sector jobs to Berks County,” Argall said. “This park has the potential to bring hundreds of good-paying jobs right here to Berks County and neighboring counties. I commend the hard work of the County Commissioners and the Berks County Industrial Development Authority for making this project and future jobs a reality.”
“If we want to make Pennsylvania attractive to perspective business and industry, then we need to make sure we have the infrastructure in place which will supply their needs,” Folmer said. “I’m pleased to be part of today’s event, and hopeful for what this announcement means for the Pennsylvania economy and job-seekers.”
The County Commissioners stated the regional importance of this project and grants will help establish this as a major opportunity for the state for job creation.
“The RACP grant is another positive sign of the value of Berks Park 78 to the Commonwealth as a regional job creator,” Commissioner Barnhardt said. “I am especially appreciative of the efforts of Governor Corbett, Senator Argall and Senator Folmer in this effort.”
“While government cannot create private sector jobs, it can provide the right environment to attract these jobs,” Leinbach added. “The commitment of Dollar General and PetSmart to Bethel Park 78 will generate over 1,000 good jobs for our citizens. I want to thank Senators Argall and Folmer and Governor Corbett for supporting $500,000 in RACP funds to help provide a critical water supply for Bethel Park 78.”
Berks Park 78 will house distribution centers for Dollar General and PetSmart. Two other sites still are available.
You can listen to Senator Argall’s remarks here: http://j.mp/14qQ2LS.
Contact: Jon Hopcraft
(717) 787-2637
(570) 773-0891