Harkins, Merski: More than $300K secured to update Erie PD fleet
Will fund new vehicles, electric bikes
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins April 6, 2023 | 11:03 AM
ERIE, April 6 – The Erie Police Department will soon be getting much-needed updates to its transportation fleet, thanks to $303,000 in new funding from the state Department of Community and Economic Development, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today.
The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the funding will allow the department to purchase several new vehicles and electric bicycles.
“Erie’s finest give us their best, and they deserve the best equipment we can provide,” Harkins said. “Thanks to this new funding, the department will be able to purchase three fully equipped marked police vehicles, two equipped unmarked police vehicles and five fully equipped electric bicycles.”
Merski said, “Erie police do everything in their power to keep our neighborhoods safe, but for some time, they have needed upgrades to their fleet. Securing this funding means the force will be able to replace some of their older vehicles with newer, safer ones so they are better protected on the job.
“In the months ahead, I’ll be working to pass my bill that would allow the department and others like it to purchase used pursuit vehicles at reduced prices before they go to public auction. It’s my hope that this will allow departments to acquire needed vehicles even while operating on a limited budget.”
More about the DCED is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/.