Harkins, Merski: Over $3.2M secured to bolster Erie community’s infrastructure, public services
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski October 22, 2024 | 2:46 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 22 – More than $3.2 million in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help enhance local infrastructure and public services, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today.
This significant investment will support various projects designed to improve the quality of life for all residents and ensure the Erie area’s continued growth and development.
“This investment is a testament to our commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Erie,” Harkins said. “It will enable us to undertake critical projects that will benefit our community for years to come.”
Merski said, “This grant funding is a tremendous boost for the Erie area, getting us one step closer to accomplishing our goal of creating a vibrant, thriving community for everyone.
“This significant investment will make a lasting positive impact by improving safety and overall quality of life.”
The funding includes:
- $900,000 to the Wattsburg Area School District for HVAC, plumbing and safety upgrades.
- $750,000 to the City of Erie for a reconstruction project on West Eighth Avenue from Liberty Street to Weschler Avenue.
- $500,000 to the City of Erie’s Fire Department to purchase a new fire pumper truck.
- $487,750 to the City of Erie for the purchase of a SWAT armored response and rescue vehicle.
- $250,000 to Summit Township to renovate and repair Downs Drive.
- $121,844 to Lawrence Park Township for the purchase and outfitting of police vehicles.
- $120,380 to the City of Erie for the purchase of five new code enforcement vehicles.
- $105,249 to the Erie County Redevelopment Authority for the purchase of equipment to serve safety and cleanliness needs in downtown Erie.
The funding comes from The Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program and the Statewide Local Share Account Program. The funds distributed through the Statewide Local Share Account grant program come from gaming revenues.
Act 71 of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenues to support projects in the public interest within the state.