The project will increase energy efficiency in homes by reducing energy costs and increasing comfort while safeguarding the health and safety of the resident. Eligible applicants are those persons or families whose income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. On-site energy audits are conducted on each home to determine which of the following measures would be installed or services performed, up to an average of $6,500 per home: blower door guided air sealing to effectively locate and reduce air-leakage throughout the home; installation of attic, wall, basement and crawlspace insulation and ventilation to reduce energy loss; heating system modification or replacement to increase the efficiency and/or safety of the heating system; minor repairs, and/or health and safety measures are provided (when necessary) to allow the safe and effective installation of the weatherization measures; energy baseload reduction, including CFL and appliance replacement, and; client education on the proper use and maintenance of the installed Weatherization measures and ways to reduce energy waste everyday. The project will weatherize 660 homes through 3/31/12.

The Highlands at Wyomissing is a continuing care retirement faciltiy with 480 residents located in Berks County. The Conservation Project will be conserving 71% of energy presently used by the four systems enhanced by this project. The four systems are: General Area Lighting System, Domestic Hot Water System, Comfort Heating Source System with and Kitchen Ventilation System. The Highland's conservation works because of the way in which we use proven technologies of heat pumps, close approach heat exchangers and innovative control strategies to produce cost effective energy savings. We also will complete our facilities initiative to upgrade to the most efficient lighting technologies. By receiving this grant, The Highlands at Wyomissing would conserve 2,675,000 KWH, 180,500,000,000 BTUs of Natural Gas, 24,700,000 pounds of CO2 pollution and $2,500,000 in energy savings.

The project will involve the Borough of Wyomissing replacing eighty-one (81) street lights with industion style retrofit kits. The purpose is to decrease our total energy use regarding the supply of electricity to the Borough maintained street lights. The lights to be replaed are located on teh Warren St bypass, and West Shore bypass for the portions of the highway which are located in teh Borough of Wyomissing.

The Temple Solar Project consists of the installation of a 1.0 MW solar facility on approximately 7 acres of land on the UGI Energy Services Inc. propane plant in Berks county, Ontelaunee township. The solar facility will be used to offset some of its annual energy requirements of the existing facility. This will reduce the need to purchase electricity that has been generated by traditional means, thus, resulting in environmental benefits.

Federally Regulated Leaking Underground Storage Tank Site Corrective Action under ARRA grant

Surface Water Assessments in the Delaware (Schuylkill) River Basin

The project provides financial assistance and services to prevent individuals and families from becoming homeless or help those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. Funds will be used for activities to address the jurisdiction’s homelessness needs such as: financial assistance with rental payments; security deposits; utility payments or deposits; arrearages; moving costs; and, motel/hotel vouchers; and housing relocation and stabilization services such as case management; outreach and engagement; housing search and placement; legal services; and, credit repair.

Upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant from 1.0 million gallons per day hydraulic capacity to 1.25 million gallons per day.This system serves 1,380 low income households in Sinking Spring Borough, Berks County.  Current average annual sewer rates are $235.  Rates are expected to increase by 85.5%.

Construct a new 18th Ward Booster Station, including two 2,400 gallon per minute pumps, booster chlorination system, emergency generator, and appurtenances, clean and reline 10,000 ft of 16-inch water main on 11th Street, and replace approximately 8,300 5/8-inch water meters. The system serves 25,114 low income households in the City of Reading, Berks County.  The current average annual residential water bill is $319 and not expected to increase due to the project.

Improvements to the intersection of Bernville Road (State Route 183) and Plum Creek Road (State Route 4030) including the installation of a new traffic signal, establishment of opposing left turn lanes, drainage and driveway adjustments, and constructio

Replacement of Precast Bridge Parapets on Interstate 78 in Lenhartsville, Greenwich Township

Install Median Barrier on State Route 100 in Colebrookdale Township

Installation of Cameras, Radios message signs on Interstate 78 (Eastbound and Westbound between Lebanon County Line and State Route 61) and State Route 61 (Northbound and Southbound prior to Intersta

Bridge Preservation in various locations in Berks County

Surfacing and Safety Improvement on US Route 222 in Spring, Muhlenberg, Ontelaunee and Maiden Creek Townships

Mill, concrete patch and resurfacing on SR 3222 from PA 724 (Philadelphia Avenue) in Cumru Township to Bingaman Street in the City of Reading

Resurfacing on State Route 2005 - 5th Street in the City of Reading

Install median barrier on US Route 222 - Park Road in Spring, Bern, Muhlenberg and Ontelaunee Townships

Installation of curb ramps in various locations in Berks County

The project will establish a one-stop community resource center to provide non-traditional and easy access to community social services systems and resources for those persons and families who have recently experienced job loss and a reduction in income with little or no knowledge of, or experience accessing, services that are available in the local community. Key services will include case management, counseling, computer access and technical assistance to facilitate community accessibility to resources through the County Board of Assistance COMPASS system and CareerLink, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for Latino clients. The program, “Prosperity House”, will be operated in conjunction with the United Way of Berks County.