Bizzarro secures nearly $260K for recreation, environmental projects
Funding will increase outdoor recreation options and close abandoned wells
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro January 28, 2025
ERIE, Jan. 28 – Nearly $260,000 in grant funding is on the way to Erie County to help bolster outdoor activity options for the community and close abandoned wells that pose environmental and health risks, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) announced Tuesday.
Asbury Woods Partnership Inc. was awarded $64,384 to construct a new walking trail on recently acquired land and perform trail maintenance at Asbury Woods, while Fairview Township received $125,000 to construct new pickleball courts at Pleasant Ridge Park.
“I always encourage people to get out and enjoy our community. Adding a walking trail at Asbury Woods and constructing pickleball courts to accommodate the fast-growing sport will greatly benefit both our residents and the more than one million visitors we see each year,” said Bizzarro. “There’s truly something for everyone in our corner of the commonwealth.”
Additionally, the Well Done Foundation is receiving $70,000 to plug two abandoned wells in Millcreek Township. Both abandoned wells are near residential homes and pose immediate risks to the community.
“The health and safety of our residents is a top priority of mine, so securing funding to close these old wells that are leaking natural gas into the air and harming the community is a big win.” Bizzarro said.
The funding was designated through the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program and Orphan or Abandoned Well Plugging Program, both overseen by the Commonwealth Finance Authority.
Today’s announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to allocate state money to help fund projects in his district and Erie County. Last session alone, Bizzarro helped secure more than $92 million in funding for the area.