Bizzarro announces more than $178k in state grant funding coming to Erie

ERIE, March 18 – State Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced today that organizations throughout Erie County will receive state grant dollars totaling $178,225 for business development and 2020 Census efforts.

GR8T Manufacturing was awarded $168,946 in PASmart Next Generation Industry Partnership grant funding from the Pa. Department of Labor and Industry. The funds will be used to improve community business to business partnerships, promote manufacturing careers and branding the region. 

Census 2020 Outreach grants were awarded to Edinboro Community and Economic Development Corp., and Culture, Arts, Festival, and Events of Erie in the amounts of $4,279 and $5,000 respectively. The grants, awarded through the Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development may be used for census-related outreach including local media buys, community census events, and event-related costs.   

“It’s important that in this time, we continue to work together to invest in our community. I’m excited to see how GR8T Manufacturing uses this grant to improve business partnerships and career opportunities in our region,” Bizzarro said.

“Now, more than ever, it’s time to ramp up efforts to ensure our community’s voice is heard in the 2020 census. I urge everyone to make sure they fill out the Census when it becomes available and answer those nine questions. They will have an impact on how our community is represented and funded for the next decade.

Bizzarro encourages residents to visit www.2020Census.gov upon receiving their 12-digit Census ID in the mail, and fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire.