Isaacson announces $1 million grant awarded to Reading Terminal Market

HARRISBURG, Dec. 3 – State Rep. Mary Isaacson, D-Phila., today announced a $1 million state grant has been awarded to Reading Terminal Market for a redevelopment project to upgrade its utilities and ensure the market’s long-term viability. 

“I have long been a supporter of Reading Terminal Market because it is such a vital asset to the people in our community as well as a huge tourism draw that brings visitors to our city from near and far,” Isaacson said. “I previously assisted Reading Terminal Market in securing $2 million in funding for infrastructure projects, and I know this additional $1 million award will provide the additional support the market needs to work toward completing the upgrade to its utilities, ensuring it remains attractive, safe, accessible and welcoming to vendors, visitors, residents and shoppers.”  

Isaacson said Reading Terminal Market is not only a well-known tourist destination and designated National Historic Landmark, but also an invaluable source of fresh food for its patrons and is one of the most-used venues by people redeeming SNAP benefits.  

The market’s more than 128-year-old building needs capital investment, as highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve ventilation and air handling in public spaces. The market requested the funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, to upgrade the ductwork, improve air handling and accelerate air exchange. 

RACP is a 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 authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity.