The Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) awarded the Berks County Industrial Development Authority (BerksIDA) the 2021 Project of the year for creation of Berks Park 183 industrial park.
During the pandemic BerksIDA took the leap to install $7.5M in infrastructure on the site, employing as many as 50 construction and utility workers in a year with unprecedented unemployment. BerksIDA and the county is now being rewarded for this decision, with 80 percent of the site already under agreement for development and an expected 400-800 permanent jobs upon full build-out.
Key Metrics:
- Job creation: 50 construction jobs during this phase. Upon full build-out 400-800 permanent jobs expected onsite
- Capital Investment: Total $17M over the 10-year project, $7.5M in 2020. Expected to induce $40M in private investment within next five years.
- Tax relief: 55 acres off the tax rolls are being returned to productive use after nearly 80 years. Expected to generate an additional $8-12M in property taxes over the next decade.
- Partnerships: Success would not have been possible without support from many partners – the Commonwealth, PennDOT, Berks County, Redevelopment Authority, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance.
- Vision: Without County leadership encouraging the IDA to take on this project a decade ago, this site would continue to sit unutilized.
- Quote from Commissioner Leinbach: “We are thrilled to see the Industrial Development Authority recognized for implementing a project with meaningful job creation. This is a win for all of Berks County.”
- Impact: Located in the heart of the urban core of Berks County and along an existing bus route, Berks Park 183 will provide excellent job opportunities for Reading area residents.
- Quote from Jim Adams, BerksIDA board chair: “On behalf of the Board and Staff we are proud to receive statewide recognition for a project that will generate jobs in Berks County for years to come.”
BerksIDA’s mission is to promote collaborative, long-term, quality job creation and retention in Berks County through site development, redevelopment and support, financing programs and access to government funding.
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