Rusnock: Over $1.9 million secured for local community improvement projects
Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock September 15, 2026 | 11:35 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock announced today that multiple agencies in her Pennsylvania House legislative district received more than $1.9 million in new grant funding.
The funds were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority via the Local Share Account, which distributes money from gaming revenues to counties to support projects in the public interest.
“What stands out about these grants is how many different community needs they address,” Rusnock said. “We’re making important improvements to our parks and public spaces, strengthening emergency response, preparing for flooding, upgrading public safety facilities and expanding infrastructure. These are practical investments that will make a difference in residents’ everyday lives and I’m proud to support them.”
In the 126th District, Rusnock supported state funding for the following projects:
- $591,712 to the Mount Penn Borough Municipal Authority for Phase 3 Crystal Lake restoration and improvements located at Carsonia Park. Phase 3 of the restoration includes constructing a one-mile accessible paved and turfed trail around the lake, a new ADA-compliant viewing/fishing platform, and stabilization of over 1,000 feet of shoreline.
- $400,000 to the Exeter Township Volunteer Fire Department to construct a new 24,000-square-foot fire station and emergency services center.
- $304,106 to Muhlenberg Township to replace a culvert along Hillcrest Avenue, reducing the impact of extreme flooding events.
- $175,000 to Muhlenberg Township Fire & Rescue for the purchase of a fire and rescue apparatus.
- $150,000 to the Central Berks Regional Police Department to remodel their building. The proposed renovations include locker room and shower improvements, enhanced ventilation and lighting, and replacing outdated plumbing fixtures.
- $136,480 to Muhlenberg Township Authority to extend water mains to a new Wawa located along Fifth Street Highway in Temple.
- $109,764 to Mount Penn Borough to renovate approximately 1,000 square feet of unused basement space inside Mount Penn Borough Hall.
- $84,807 to the Mount Penn Volunteer Fire Company to purchase a light-duty emergency vehicle and complete emergency-service upfitting.
“Mount Penn is excited about this grant announcement!” said Mount Penn Borough Manager Hunter Ahrens. “The borough's facilities have not undergone significant renovations in several years, and this addition of space will provide space for employees to work, improve collaboration throughout our community's government organizations, provide facility improvements to prevent water inflow, and improve our HVAC system.”
"The Central Berks Regional Police Department would like to sincerely thank State Representative Jacklyn Rusnock for her generous support through a significant Local Share Account grant award,” said Chief Justin Johnson with the Central Berks Regional Police Department. “This funding will allow us to make much-needed renovations and safety upgrades to our police facility, improving both the working environment for our officers and the security of the building. We are extremely grateful for Representative Rusnock’s continued support of public safety and her commitment to helping our department better serve the community."
“Mt Penn Fire Company would like to extend its sincere appreciation to Representative Rusnock for securing funding for the purchase of a new station vehicle,” said Mt. Penn Fire Chief John Theodossiou. “The new vehicle will replace our 2000 Ford Excursion, which has served the department for many years as a personnel transport and station-duty vehicle. The new vehicle will continue to serve those functions while also being utilized as a duty officer’s vehicle. Funding opportunities such as these are especially important to departments like ours that serve smaller municipalities with limited tax bases. This support allows us to continue providing service to our community.
Additional approved funding Rusnock advocated for with other lawmakers in the Berks County region include:
- $350,000 to the Reading Area Water Authority to purchase a hydrovac truck, which uses pressurized water and vacuum suction to excavate soil more safely and efficiently.
More information about CFA funding can be found here: Commonwealth Financing Authority - PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development.