“This grant funding will help our region’s tech schools ensure students have state-of-the-art equipment while simultaneously offering individuals the opportunity to strengthen their skill set and prepare to excel in a competitive job market,” state Rep. Pat Harkins said. Read more
HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, majority chairman of the bicameral Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, announced that the commission met Tuesday and accepted the independent audit of the General Assembly’s finances for 2023. Harkins, D-Erie, said that as majority chairman, he will continue to ensure the commission fulfills its responsibility of keeping the public informed about the General Assembly’s finances. “Ensuring continued transparency of the budgets and finances of the General Assembly is fundamental to good government,” Harkins said. “Being the majority chairman provides me with unique insight as we continuously strive to keep the public fully informed about the finances of the Pennsylvania House and Senate. “Working aside Representative Dunbar has made my transition to majority chairman of the commission seamless, allowing us to focus on delivering this constitutionally mandated report. I thank him for his unwavering dedication to ensuring government is working effectively and efficiently. In addition, I would like to personally thank Gregory Jordan for volunteering countless hours of his time throughout the last several years as a public member of the commission. Gregory’s dedication to the commission’s obligations exemplifies what it means to be a public servant.” Harkins said the audit the commission reviewed – conducted by the independent Read more
ERIE, Jan. 30 – New grant funding of $55,000 will fund the replacement of 201 city-owned streetlights along the Bayfront Connector, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from PennDOT’s Automated Red-Light Enforcement program will allow the city to replace and upgrade streetlights along a vital section of roadway in Erie. “Motorists and pedestrians alike will be safer thanks to the upgrading of streetlights along one of our area’s busier corridors,” Harkins said. “Enhancing visibility along the Bayfront Connector will have a direct impact on the safety and well-being of all who utilize this roadway,” Merski said. Funding for ARLE grants comes from fines for red light violations at 34 intersections in Philadelphia. The funding can be used for projects that improve safety, enhance mobility or reduce congestion. Since 2010, ARLE has awarded $141.5 million, funding 576 transportation enhancement projects. More information about this round of funding through the ARLE program is available here. Read more
ERIE, Jan. 24 – Grant funding of $268,048 from the state Department of Environmental Protection will support efforts to protect and preserve Lake Erie’s coastal zone region and fund related projects, state Reps. Bob Merski, Pat Harkins and Ryan Bizzarro, all D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the grants will fund technical support and assistance for ongoing efforts to manage and protect the Lake Erie watershed; tracking the habits of Yellow Perch migration between Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie; establishing a Lake Friendly program to address marine debris; and other projects. “Erie County is blessed with abundant natural resources and remains a premier destination for recreational and outdoor activities,” said Harkins, who is a member of the Great Lakes Commission. “Lake Erie is a vital resource for our commonwealth, and we must continue to be diligent in protecting it from existential threats. This funding is going to help us preserve Lake Erie for generations to come.” Merski said: “Lake Erie is woven into the fabric of our community, enriching the lives of millions who have had the privilege to explore its vast offerings. From fishing for Steelhead or Yellow Perch, to taking a walk along its miles of pristine shoreline, Lake Erie has always been there for us. These investments in wide-ranging initiatives will ensure the lake remains the focal point of cultural Read more
ERIE, Jan. 23 – New grant funding of $40,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Education will help Gannon University bolster security and keep the campus safe from the threat of sexual violence, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today. The lawmakers said the funding comes from the It’s On Us PA Grant Program administered by the state Department of Education. “Keeping our colleges and universities safe places for students to learn is paramount, and this grant will help Gannon University implement and build upon prevention programs and services to educate students, teachers and administrators, but also provide the vital resources and services to help survivors of sexual assault,” Harkins said. Merski said, “As a former educator, I believe that every student deserves a safe and respectful learning environment, and that we must end the culture of silence and impunity that enables sexual violence. This grant funding will help ensure Gannon University students maintain a safe environment that encourages young adults to pursue their dreams.” The grant will provide funding through May 2025 to help implement strategies on campus to address goals of the It’s On Us PA campaign, including improving prevention, reporting, and response systems regarding sexual violence incidents on college campuses and removing barriers that prevent survivors from Read more
ERIE, Jan. 22 – Two grants totaling $169,700 are being awarded to help Erie’s dedicated public servants continue to provide high-quality service to their communities, announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grants from the state Department of Community and Economic Development will help offset the cost of replacing the city’s code enforcement vehicles, while also assisting the city’s police department in upgrading motorcycle equipment. “Providing the necessary tools and resources to public servants who dedicate their careers to keeping our communities safe is always a sound investment,” said Harkins. “These grant dollars will have a direct effect on Erie’s perpetual quest to enhance the quality of life for its residents.” "As a fomer city councilman, I understand the financial constraints of the city budget," said Merski. "Grants such as these allow the city to improve its fleet and to do their work efficiently and effectively without having to raise taxes on local property owners. I'm proud to work with Representative Harkins and the city to bring these resources back to Erie." Anyone with questions about these grant awards may contact Harkins’ office at 814-459-1949 or Merski’s office at 814-455-6319. Read more
ERIE, Jan. 10 – A $3.12 million grant will give a jolt of electricity to Erie by replacing a large swath of the city’s refuse collection trucks with electrically powered vehicles, announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program will help offset the cost of replacing five of the city’s existing trucks with modern, efficient battery-powered electric trucks. “The importance of receiving this multimillion-dollar grant is twofold in that it modernizes critical public services while lessening the burden on taxpayers,” said Harkins. “Making the switch to electric trucks will save money on expensive repairs, vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. The switch to electric vehicles should be met with enthusiasm as they will play a key role in Erie’s success story.” Merski said: Electric vehicles are the way of the future, and Erie taking the initiative to be a step ahead demonstrates our ability to adapt to an ever-changing world. In addition to the benefits of less noise, pollution, and carbon emissions, this $3 million investment in the city’s refuse fleet doesn’t have to come out of local property taxes. This is a win-win for every Erie resident.” This Medium- and Read more
ERIE, Jan. 8 – In a collaborative effort to help bolster the city of Erie’s local economy, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced the introduction of legislation that would create a City Revitalization Improvement Zone for Erie. The lawmakers said the of the legislation, H.B. 1949 , would help spur new economic growth within the city by reshaping certain sects of the downtown and creating new family sustaining employment for Erie residents. “The city of Erie has tremendous opportunity for growth and rejuvenation,” said Harkins. “Establishing a CRIZ for Erie would give the city a leg up in preparing to compete economically for the next half-century and beyond. “We have seen staggering investments in Erie ranging from various infrastructure projects to strengthening our offerings for tourism and recreation, and adopting this plan would expand our ability to continue prioritizing the economic development of our region,” he added. “The upward trajectory of Erie’s economic standing is the result of community and business leaders banding together and putting in the work for the betterment of our entire area,” Merski said. “While we have made great strides in this collective endeavor, there is no time for stagnation and complacency. Establishing a CRIZ is the appropriate response to continue this Read more
ERIE, Jan. 5 – A $308,098 grant to Gannon University will help ensure both the university and surrounding neighborhoods have enhanced, efficient stormwater infrastructure announced state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie. The lawmakers said the grant from the state Department of Environmental Protection Growing Greener Program will fund the implementation of stormwater best management practices on the university’s campus. “Protecting our watershed and addressing wastewater and nutrient and sediment reduction is vitally important in Erie County,” said Harkins, who is a member of the Great Lakes Commission. “Properly investing in Erie’s stormwater infrastructure will directly impact the health, safety, and fiscal solvency of our community. These ‘forward-thinking’ type projects will help ensure the next generation of Erie County residents have a solid foundation to continue building upon.” Merski said: “Being proactive when it comes to stormwater infrastructure is a sound investment as it prevents devastating flooding that could not only result in tremendous damage costing millions of dollars, but also put members of our community in harm’s way. Unfortunately, flooding due to poorly designed and managed stormwater infrastructure is becoming more prevalent across the country. Thankfully, this grant will help ease the stress on our Read more
Nearly $2 million in state grant funding has been awarded to several Erie County organizations, state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, all D-Erie, announced Tuesday. Read more
Two Erie County historical organizations have been awarded grants through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC), state Reps. Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins and Bob Merksi, all D-Erie, announced Monday. Read more
ERIE, Nov. 21– Expanding on their joint effort to bolster Erie based services, facilities, and educational opportunities, with a distinct focus on reinvigorating neighborhoods, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today that Erie County will receive $3.3 million worth of state tax credits. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development announced earlier this week that 26 projects across Erie County will be supported by these tax credits through an array of funding mechanisms via the Neighborhood Assistance Program. Tax credits worth $500,000 were awarded to renovate the Renaissance Center in Downtown Erie with plans to convert the historic landmark into a 200-room hotel that would serve as a destination for occasions ranging from weddings to work conferences. Tax credits worth $206,205 will be earmarked to support renovations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, including a replacement of the facility’s roof, along with a complete kitchen upgrade. Additionally, Gannon University will receive tax credits of $247,000 that will be utilized to fund initiatives aimed toward combatting housing and food insecurity, crime, and blight. “Receiving these community-influenced tax credits is a game changer and will have a direct, positive influence on our local economy, neighborhoods and tourism industry right here in Erie County,” Merski said. “We continue Read more
ERIE, Sept. 13 – In an effort to connect local seniors with the services and programs they deserve, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, will co-host a senior fair from 10 a.m. to noon next Friday, Sept. 22 at the Harborcreek Social Hall located at 7275 Buffalo Road in Harborcreek. The senior fair will include assistance with applying for state programs such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET, Pennsylvania’s prescription assistance programs. Additionally, there will be door prizes and light refreshments, free senior bus passes and help with securing disability placards. Health screenings and flu shots will also be offered. Seniors should bring their insurance card if they would like a flu shot. “Bringing together the services that seniors rely on under one roof is an excellent way to ensure they are capitalizing on the state resources they need,” Merski said. “I have made it a cornerstone of my office to streamline assistance to our neighbors, and the senior fair expands on this fundamental principle. ” Harkins said, “Pennsylvania programs that are geared toward helping seniors are vast and wide-ranging. Conducting a senior fair provides the opportunity to refine the process of maximizing already utilized programs, while simultaneously offering the chance to navigate new services that may be beneficial to area seniors either now or in the future.” Read more
Harkins said, "With this new funding and guidance from the Department of Health, Erie schools can become a leader in implementing a new approach to student health and learning that enlists the health sector, schools, our community, families and students themselves." Read more
Erie Winter Sports gets boost! Read more
ERIE, Aug. 29 – Three grants totaling $150,000 will fund the purchase of equipment to construct and maintain more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie and surrounding counties, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today. The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources include: $115,000 to Tri-County Snowblazers Inc. for equipment to maintain and construct approximately 90 miles of snowmobile trails in Erie, Warren and Crawford 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, Crawford and Warren counties. “An extended season for winter sports like snowmobiling is one of our area’s unique attractions. But maintaining safe trails is costly,” Merski said. “The new funding will help ensure that our area organizations have the equipment they need to keep the trails groomed and maintained on a regular basis.” Harkins said, “Trail quality and safety play a huge part in what kind of experience folks have and whether they want to return for repeat adventures. Our region is fortunate to have clubs whose members are Read more
UPS and Teamsters Officially Agree to new Contract Read more
With traffic increasing in this area, it’s more important than ever to update the transportation safety infrastructure to protect pedestrians, motorists and cyclists,” Harkins said. “The signals on State Street between Second and Fifth streets are 60 years old, and modernizing the equipment is critical. Securing this new funding will allow the city to make those upgrades and also improve pedestrian facilities.” Read more
Investing in Erie Read more
ERIE, Aug. 17 – Broadening the ability for job seekers to attain the skills they need to succeed in the workforce, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today that Erie County received funding for two projects through the Digital Literacy and Workforce Development grant program. The funding was awarded to the Greater Erie Community Action Committee and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants/Erie Field Office. “Digital literacy isn’t just a plus on a job resume – for many employers, it’s a requirement. This new funding will help ensure more job seekers in Erie have critical tech skills that provide a foundation for a successful career,” Merski said. He added, “GECAC has been on the forefront of providing training and services to people in the Erie area for years. This funding will be earmarked towards providing lessons on critical tech skills that will help sharpen an employee’s skillset.” Harkins said, “The challenges and language barriers facing folks who arrive in our country seeking to start a new life for themselves and their families can be formidable – especially when it comes to securing work. The new funding will help make that process easier by providing linguistic and cultural instruction for individuals seeking to enter the workforce.” More information on the grant funding for the two Erie projects can be Read more
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460 E. 26th St.Erie, PA 16504-2860
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