Bizzarro announces more than $7.7M in grants to address Erie safety
Federal funds approved for use in local law enforcement, programs
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro December 14, 2022 | 1:34 PM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – Erie County law enforcement and programs designed to improve safety have been approved to receive federal funding, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, announced Wednesday. More than $7.7 million has been earmarked for Erie County police departments, law enforcement technology, gun violence reduction initiatives and more.
“Working in the district attorney’s office, I saw first-hand how money approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency had a positive impact on victims, families and our community as a whole,” Bizzarro said. “I will always be a staunch advocate to bring this money back to our district – where it can bring about change.”
The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency approved the grants Wednesday. Act 54 of 2022 – which Bizzarro voted for and was signed into law in July – established the Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program to administer $135 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money as grants. A list of funds approved statewide can be found here.
Erie County has been approved $7,739,682 in funds. The grants approved, and a brief description of their use, include:
- $1,603,568 for the city of Erie, City of Erie Police LLE Support.
- $1,368,002 for the city of Erie Gun Violence Investigation.
- $1,178,102 for the Erie County Gun Violence Reduction Initiative.
- $1,030,998 for Erie County Chief Executive Officer, Erie County Law Enforcement Technology Upgrade.
- $560,387 for the Millcreek Township Gun Violence Initiative.
- $541,686 for Crime Victim Center of Erie County.
- $400,000 for Children’s Advocacy Centers for PA for 2023.
- $396,132 for Edinboro Borough, Borough of Edinboro Police Department LLE Grant.
- $207,924 for Millcreek Township, Millcreek Township Policy Department LLE Support.
- $123,176 for Lawrence Park Township, Lawn Enforcement Technology Grant.
- $113,634 for Wesleyville Borough for Wesleyville Police Readiness Project.
- $53,408 for North East borough, Retention Through Workplace Improvements.
- $47,000 for Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County for CAC Support Grant.
- $33,915 for Girard Borough, LE Technology upgrade and officer retention.
- $42,5000 for the Multicultural Community Resource Center for security enhancements.
- $24,5000 for Our Mother of Sorrows Parish for security enhancements.
- $15,000 for the Islamic Cultural Center of Erie for security enhancements.
Bizzarro has brought back close to $50 million to Erie County in 2022, including securing $312,437 in state funding for the Millcreek Township Police Department in October.
NOTE: a previous version of this news release did not include late additions to the grant funding from the Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program to the Islamic Cultural Center of Erie, the Multicultural Community Resource Center and Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Parish.