Bizzarro: Erie area snowmobile trails get $150K boost
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro August 29, 2023 | 5:23 PM
ERIE, Aug. 29 – In a boost to winter tourism in the Erie area, $150,000 has been awarded for equipment to build more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie and surrounding counties Representative Ryan Bizzarro announced Tuesday.
Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources administer the grants - 10 projects statewide were awarded with three of them in Erie County:
- $115,000 to Tri-County Snowblazers Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 90 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie and neighboring counties.
- $24,000 to Wales Sno-Drifters Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 50 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie County.
- $11,000 to McKean Area Snowmobile Club Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 162 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie and surrounding counties.
“I never miss an opportunity to brag about how Erie is a year-round tourist destination, and snowmobiles and these organizations play a big part in that,” Bizzarro said. “This funding will grow the wonderful winter offerings already here, and help bring more people in for longer visits, growing our economy even more.”
Bizzarro continues to be a champion for the industry, and was awarded the Pennsylvania Snowmobile Association Legislator of the Year award in 2018. Several snowmobile operations in Erie County have been past recipients of grant money for similar projects.
“I’ll fight for every dollar we need so that our region stays home to some of the most beautiful outdoor areas in all of Pennsylvania,” added Bizzarro. “Anyone interested in applying for future grants should contact my office.”
Today’s announcement of $150,000 continues Bizzarro’s efforts to allocate money to properly fund workforce development, schools, nonprofits, first responders and local businesses in his district and Erie County. So far this year, Bizzarro has helped secure more than $13.6 million in funding for Erie County projects.