Guzman: $1.25M secured for Alvernia University, Rose Corporation
Rep. Manuel Guzman July 16, 2026 | 3:58 PM
HARRISBURG, July 16 – State Rep. Manny Guzman said that two important projects in Reading and Berks County will be funded thanks to state grants approved by the Shapiro administration today.
Alvernia University acquired $750,000 in state grants to renovate a new building in Reading that it purchased to establish a multi-use facility featuring a community-based health clinic. The Rose Corp. was awarded $500,000 to expand its paint and blast facility, adding under-roof production with crane capacity.
“I am proud to have helped secure funding for two important projects that will make a significant impact in our community. The Alvernia University American House II project will bring a much-needed community health clinic to downtown Reading, expanding access to essential services for families across Berks County,” Guzman said.
The Rose Corp. will also pay for electrical upgrades, roof and macadam repairs, and grading portions of Rose's unimproved land to prepare for the expansion.
“It is also gratifying to see the Rose Corporation Expansion II project receive support to strengthen our local manufacturing capacity, support economic growth and create new opportunities for our region. These investments reflect my commitment to advancing the health, growth and prosperity of the families, workers and communities I represent,” he added.
Grant funding was made possible by Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. RACP is a state grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the design, 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 levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity. Projects under RACP cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.