Merski, Harkins: $7.3 million awarded to boost Erie infrastructure, improve transportation

Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski    March 16, 2023 | 2:18 PM

ERIE, March 16 – More than $7.3 million in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help fund multiple transportation and infrastructure projects in Erie, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today.

“Infrastructure plays a key role in delivering services, and breakdowns in the system not only cost taxpayers but can jeopardize public safety and health,” Merski said. “Today’s funding will play a major role in keeping our streets safer, our water cleaner and our sewer systems functioning properly.”

Harkins said, “Investments in our infrastructure are some of the most important we can make because they enhance quality of life, I’m thrilled to see this funding come back to benefit residents and our community.”

The funding includes:

  • $500,000 to the City of Erie for four traffic signals along State Street.
  • $1,000,000 to the City of Erie for improvements to the Erie Wastewater Treatment Plant Disinfection System.
  • $1,000,000 to the Erie City Water Authority for a water system expansion and consolidation project located in Greene Township.
  • $966,260 to the Fairview Township Water Authority for a sanitary sewer line installation project along Canal Road, Lakeview Ave., Rupert Drive and Jacob Lane.
  • $986,310 to Lake City Borough to upgrade and replace waterlines on Rice Avenue.
  • $500,000 to the City of Erie to fund traffic, pedestrian and cyclist improvements to State Street.
  • $450,000 to the City of Erie for a complete street construction project on East Lake Road.
  • $437,182 to the Borough of Edinboro for the construction of a new maintenance building for the Edinboro Wastewater Plant.
  • $350,000 to the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Union City for improvements to the borough’s water distribution system.
  • $335,205 to Albion Borough to complete restoration of the Albion Area Public Library.
  • $325,000 to the City of Erie to purchase a new Erie Bomb Squad Regional Response vehicle.
  • $142,234 to the City of Erie to purchase a new vehicle for the City of Erie Fire Department Dive Team.
  • $108,514 to Waterford Borough to purchase a new self-contained leaf vacuum, replacing a failing 25-year-old unit.
  • $94,367 to the Borough of Edinboro for a downtown streetscape project.
  • $94,109 to the Borough of Wesleyville to buy a new front loader tractor for the Public Works Department.
  • $44,980 to the Borough of Edinboro to renovate and modernize the community room in the borough building.

The funding comes from The Multimodal Transportation Fund and the Statewide Local Share Account Program. The Multimodal Transportation Fund, which provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the

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.