Guzman delivers $3 million in state funding for local projects

READING, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Manuel Guzman today announced the state is providing $3 million in funding for two redevelopment projects in Reading.

The funding, provided through the state’s Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program, will fund work at Alvernia University and The Rose Corp.

A grant of $2 million for the Alvernia University project will pay for construction expenses involved with exterior and interior renovations to the university’s American House building at 354 Penn St. in downtown Reading.

“The American House facility is part of the Alvernia University’s Reading CollegeTowne initiative,” Guzman said. “The property will provide additional business incubator space for the O’Pake Institute for Economic Development and Entrepreneurship and retail space for local businesses. It is estimated that over 300 jobs will be created through the student-powered business incubator.”

The Rose Corp. project will receive $1 million to expand the production space under-roof that is serviced by overhead cranes. Significant site work will also be done to upgrade to the electrical power. The Rose Corp.’s facilities were largely constructed in the first half of the 20th century and roofs need to be repaired and replaced, masonry repaired, and HVAC, lighting, fire suppression and windows replaced, all of which will improve the facility’s energy efficiency. Additional capabilities such as a powder coating line; metal burning, cutting and shearing; and 5-axis machining will ensure the company can meet existing demand while expanding capacity to handle future needs.

“For years, the Rose Corporation has been an important job provider and an integral part of Reading’s economy,” Guzman said. “The company is well-known for its quality, large-scale fabrication capabilities and has a reputation for cost-effective and on-time projects. These renovations and improvements will help The Rose Corporation continue to provide quality fabrication and important jobs in Reading.”

Guzman said the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a Pennsylvania grant program for the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs. 

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