Bizzarro: $12.5 million awarded to four projects in Erie County
State grants target economic development, public safety opportunities
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro July 16, 2026 | 3:07 PM
ERIE, July 16 – Growing the regional economy, bringing in new jobs and supporting the people already living here is the motivation behind millions of state grant dollars awarded to four projects in Erie County, Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced Thursday.
“Our region won big this round, thanks to strong proposals that are already improving our region, and strong political support from Harrisburg for the Erie area,” Bizzarro said. “These dollars, matched with local money, will yield big returns for the people who live, work and play in Erie County.”
The Erie County Convention Center Authority was awarded $9.5 million for construction of the Bayfront Market House. The building will house two year-round tenants, with the remaining ground floor space built to host seasonal and permanent tenants. The second floor will include two multi-purpose event spaces that will be available to the public. The project also includes the construction of a parking lot. The project could be completed in 2027.
Federal Resources Corporation (FRC), an advanced cybersecurity firm, was awarded $500,000 for the redevelopment of the Mercantile Building in mid-town Erie. The multi-million-dollar project will renovate the third floor, turning a long-vacant space into a modern office environment. Work includes structural reinforcement, new HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, fire protection measures, and a complete interior build-out. The renovation will result in a safe, efficient, and code-compliant headquarters for FRC, allowing for job growth. It also builds on the commercial redevelopment in the area, attracting additional businesses.
“This money helps us continue to preserve this historic building and transform it into a 21st Century hub for our business,” said Jeremy Young, the Chief Executive Officer for FRC. “We want to be part of the mid-town Erie redevelopment, and this investment allows us to grow the career opportunities we bring to the area as well.”
Other grants announced include $2 million for a new roof for the Mercyhurst University Athletic Center. The City of Corry’s new Public Safety Building project was awarded $500,000 for construction of a new home for the fire and police departments.
“We’ve already seen what strong state support for regional projects has done for our economy,” Bizzarro said. “There are construction projects left and right in our region, due in part to investments like these. It makes my job easier, securing critical funding like this, when we have strong partners in the community leading these efforts.”
Bizzarro continues his career-long track record of prioritizing funding for local projects through state investments. During this legislative session, Bizzarro has helped secure more than $62.9 million in state funding for projects and services across the region.