Harkins, Merski: $25K to help Erie go solar and save on electricity
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins June 12, 2026 | 11:41 AM
ERIE, June 12 – New funding of $25,000 will help the city of Erie develop a plan to install solar panels and a green roofing system on the municipal building to cut energy costs and boost building resilience, state Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, announced today.
The lawmakers said the award comes through the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission. The grant will enable the city of Erie Bureau of Planning & Zoning to hire an architectural firm to design a roof solution that pairs green roofing with solar technology to lower electricity bills, improve stormwater management, and extend the roof’s life.
“Lower utility bills mean more resources for essential services,” Harkins said. “By planning for solar and a green roof now, we can save money over the long run, protect the building from extreme weather, and create local contracting opportunities during design and construction.”
“Investing in energy efficiency and clean power is smart for taxpayers and for our environment,” Merski said. “This planning grant will give Erie the expert guidance needed to reduce operating costs for the Municipal Building, increase climate resilience, and move our city toward a cleaner energy future.”
Keystone Historic Preservation Grants provide funding to identify, preserve, promote, and protect historic and archaeological resources across Pennsylvania. The 2025–26 awards total just over $2.2 million and will support 38 projects statewide. Grants require a 50/50 cash match and are funded through the Keystone Recreation, Park & Conservation Fund.