Merski, Harkins: $50,000 awarded to support Erie historical preservation efforts
Rep. Robert Merski, Rep. Patrick J. Harkins June 2, 2021 | 5:34 PM
ERIE, June 2 – State grants totaling $50,000 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will fund projects to preserve and promote Erie’s unique history, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins announced today.
The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the commission awarded two separate grants under the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program, including $25,000 each to the city of Erie and Presque Isle Light Station.
“Erie’s history is filled with fascinating stories and places, but preserving them takes planning and preparation,” Merski said. “The funding awarded today is going to help ensure that historic sites like the Presque Isle Lighthouse and other uniquely Erie landmarks are around for future generations.”
Harkins said, “This funding is truly an educational investment, because it will help us preserve the kind of connections to our past that future generations can touch and see and visit. Those insights into our roots are invaluable.”
The lawmakers said the funding will go to the following projects:
City of Erie – $25,000 to support newly formed historic preservation program
The funding will allow the city to update its historic resource ordinance, create a permanent Historic Review Commission, pursue Certified Local Government designation, and hire a preservation planner to help develop a three-year plan for this newly formed historic preservation program.
Presque Isle Light Station – $25,000 for Presque Isle Lighthouse resource management plan
The funding will help the organization establish a resource management plan to guide future operation and preservation of the historic lighthouse built in 1827. The funding will also help the organization fulfill the requirements of its lease agreement with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The grants are part of a package of $2.3 million awarded to projects statewide.
Keystone Historic Preservation grants support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania. The grants also fund municipal planning initiatives and construction activities at resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Grant amounts ranged from $5,000 to $25,000 for project grants and $5,000 to $100,000 for construction projects. All require a 50/50 cash match.
More information about the grants is available here.