Bizzarro announces nearly $2 million in state funding

Grant awarded for life-saving recovery services for residents across region

ERIE, Dec. 16 – The state has invested nearly $2 million for life-saving recovery services in Erie County and the northwest region, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro said.

“This grant will make sure that the people in our community attempting to turn their lives around have the access they need to life-saving services,” Bizzarro said. “The opioid epidemic has illustrated the need for more services and treatment options, and this investment makes certain our region has services we need to help people recover after turning away from drugs and alcohol.”

The Booker T. Washington Center in Erie County will receive one of the 12 grants awarded statewide to expand drop-in center services for individuals with substance use disorders. Those services include but are not limited to substance use disorder treatment, opioid use disorder treatment, support groups, daily essentials (food, restrooms, showers, clothing), harm-reduction services and shelter.

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs announced it will award 12 grants of up to $1,875,000 each for a 29-month period from Feb. 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027.

Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to allocate state money to properly fund workforce development, schools, nonprofits, first responders and local businesses in his district and Erie County. During this legislative session, Bizzarro has helped secure more than $92 million in funding for Erie County community projects.