Bizzarro announces more than $530K in grants for Erie County

Nine projects approved for recreational, conservation and community development

ERIE, Sept. 6 – Erie County will see an influx of $535,440 in state funding to improve parks and local communities throughout the region, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced Tuesday.

The grants – announced as part of the $90 million in record funding reserved for parks, recreation and conservation throughout the state and following the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – will fund eight projects in Erie County and one project to benefit Erie and Warren counties.

“Parks, green spaces and recreational opportunities help make our region one of the most unique and picturesque portions of the state,” Bizzarro said. “Multiple studies highlight the positive effect parks, green spaces and recreation opportunities in communities have on residents’ quality of life. So it’s rewarding to see state dollars not only going to help restore some parks to their former glory, but also headed toward the planning and development for future parks in Erie County.” 

The projects approved include: 

  • Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, $92,500: Acquisition of 108.5 acres for addition to State Game Lands No. 197 (for Erie/Warren counties).
  • Union City Borough, $91,240: Rehabilitation of Devereaux Park, including construction of walkways, gazebo and fishing dock.
  • Wesleyville Borough, $70,000: Rehabilitation of Hinkler Park, including installation of utilities and site improvements.
  • Union City Borough, $65,000: Rehabilitation of Southwest Park, including installation of play equipment and pedestrian walkways.
  • City of Erie, $50,000: Prepare Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Greenway Plan for the city of Erie and Erie County.
  • Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, $54,300: Acquisition of 40.7 acres in Union Township for addition to South Branch French Creek Conservation Area.
  • North East Borough, $40,000: Prepare Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Open Space Plan for the borough, Erie County and Master Site Development Plan for Freeport Beach-Halli Reed Park.
  • Washington Township, $37,400: Prepare a multi-municipal Comprehensive Recreation, Park and Green Plan.
  • Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Erie Bird Observatory, $35,000: Coordinate community bird safe monitoring assessments.

The state approved 330 projects throughout Pennsylvania to fund new recreational opportunities, conserve natural resources and revitalize local communities. A full list of the approved projects can be found here.