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BERN TWP., PA-Gov. Ed Rendell's Action Team provided $13 million in funding for five economic development projects here, two of which are expected to create more than 1,500 new jobs. They are DirectLink Technologies and Fleetwood Fixtures.

With a state financial package of $10.8 million, DirectLink, a start-up online travel management company currently based in Mahwah, NJ, is acquiring the vacant FirstEnergy building here. The total project cost is $19 million. The state funds include a $2-million loan from Pennsylvania Industrial Development Corp., a $2-million opportunity grant, nearly $4.4 million in job creation tax credits, with the remainder for job training and equipment purchases.

With nearly $2.2 million in state funding, locally based Fleetwood Fixtures is acquiring the vacant Baldwin Building in Leesport in order to expand its manufacturing operations. The store fixtures manufacturer's total cost of the acquisition and relocation is $8.5 million. The state's package includes a $2-million PIDC loan, a $50,000 opportunity grant and $120,000 in job creation tax credits.

Three other projects each received $175,000. Two are provided to Berks County Industrial Development Authority for engineering and feasibility studies for the development of Bethel Industrial Park and a planning grant to develop a 13-acre brownfield site for commercial and residential use in Wyomissing. The Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau obtained funding for feasibility studies for creation of "the Corridor" in Greater Reading, with a goal of making the area a year-round center for arts and entertainment.

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