Bizzarro announces more than $1.1M for Erie County DCNR projects
Ten projects will be funded through Community Conservation Partnerships Program
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro November 12, 2024 | 4:45 PM
ERIE, Nov. 12 – Erie County will be receiving more than $1.1 million in state grant funding to help fund projects that expand recreational opportunities, conserve natural spaces and revitalize communities, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced Tuesday.
“Erie County offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. It’s important that we make these spaces are up-to-date and we’re maximizing our recreational options,” said Bizzarro. “This is vital funding that will revitalize our community parks, expand birdwatching and snowmobiling opportunities, and develop community conservation plans in Erie County.”
Ten total projects across Erie County are receiving state grants, totaling $1,189,000. These projects include:
- Albion Borough, $207,700- Rehabilitation of Albion Borough Park in Albion Borough, Erie County. Work to include renovation of basketball courts and pickleball courts; construction of pedestrian walkway and parking areas; installation of fencing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Asbury Woods Partnership, Inc., $160,900- Payment toward the acquisition of approximately 13.89 acres along Old Sterrettania Road in Millcreek Township, Erie County for an addition to Asbury Woods.
- Erie Bird Observatory, $50,000- Coordinate and fund expanded birding opportunities in northwest Pennsylvania including development of a smartphone app to promote birding destinations and a birding festival.
- Erie County Conservation District, $65,000- Development of Erie County Conservation District Park in Erie City, Erie County. Work to include construction of internal loop trail and stormwater management measures; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Fairview Township, $292,000- Further development of Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview Township, Erie County. Work to include construction of pickleball court, pedestrian walkway, and stormwater management measures; installation of fencing, lighting and utilities; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Millcreek Township, $57,400- Prepare Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan for Millcreek Township, Erie County.
- Summit Township, $200,000- Rehabilitation of Picnicana Park in Summit Township, Erie County. Work to include installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
- Wales Sno-Drifters, Inc., $52,400- Purchase of equipment to maintain and construct approximately 50 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie County.
- Washington Township, $43,600- Prepare a Watershed Conservation Plan for the 240-acre Edinboro Lake Watershed in Erie County.
- Wesleyville Borough, $60,000- Rehabilitation of Morrison Park in Wesleyville Borough, Erie County. Work to include construction of pedestrian walkway and parking area; installation of play equipment with required safety surfacing; ADA access, landscaping, project sign and other related site improvements.
The funding was delivered through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program. A total of $79.4 million in grants was awarded for 307 projects across Pennsylvania through this round of grant funding.
Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to allocate state money to properly fund Erie schools, recreational options, workforce development, nonprofits, first responders, public works, utilities and local businesses in his district and Erie County. Bizzarro and his team have helped secure more than $88.5 million for Erie County projects in this legislative session.