USDA Rural Development is announcing funding for essential upgrades to the Berwick Theater and Center for Community Arts in Berwick, Pennsylvania. This funding comes in the form of two grants from two different USDA Rural Development programs.
“Rural Development is proud to fund upgrades to the Berwick Theater,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Tom Williams. “Not only will the theater once again be a center for local arts, but the renovations will create jobs, spur on local businesses, and strengthen the identity of the community as a whole.”
The first grant is a $90,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG). This grant will be used to purchase and upgrade outdated movie theater equipment. The new equipment is vital to the continuing operations of the Berwick Theater and will increase their ability to offer additional events.
The second grant is a $50,000 Community Facility grant that will be used to renovate the theater to meet ADA and code requirements of Federal, State, and local agencies. This portion of the project has received additional funding in the form of a $69,000 donation from a local business, $31,510 from Sawdust Ministry Group, and an additional $1,000 in donated materials for a total project cost of $151,510.
As a cultural hub, Berwick Theater will offer venues which will provide many economic benefits to the community at large. The Berwick Theater is an integral part of the local community which brings consumers into the area supporting other local businesses.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.