Harkins, Merski: Nearly $1.7M in new funding will modernize services and improve quality of life for Erie County
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins September 15, 2026 | 11:20 AM
HARRISBURG, Sept. 15 – Approximately $1.68 million in funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority will help enhance local infrastructure and public services across Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today.
This investment supports targeted projects designed to improve public safety, strengthen municipal operations, and modernize critical infrastructure—advancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring the Erie area’s continued growth and development.
“We’re investing in the essentials that make daily life work,” Harkins said. “Strengthening core services and modernizing equipment keeps neighborhoods safe, reduces disruptions, and delivers reliable maintenance residents can count on.
“These are practical, cost-effective steps that serve everyone who calls Erie County home and improve quality of life across our community.”
“These investments put the common good first,” Merski said. “By prioritizing community safety and well-being, we’re equipping teams and services to respond effectively, communicate clearly, and support residents in moments that matter.
“The result is a safer, more resilient Erie—where people feel protected, problems are addressed early, and every neighborhood benefits.”
The funding includes:
- $267,740 to the City of Erie for the EPD Community Policing Vehicles Project to purchase five policing cruisers, one SUV, one UTV, and one Crisis Car Cruiser, along with laptops and printers to enhance in-vehicle capabilities—improving officer visibility, operational efficiency and crisis response across the city.
- $66,500 to the Erie County Redevelopment Authority, on behalf of Mercyhurst University Municipal Police Academy, to acquire and install state-of-the-art virtual reality simulation equipment—including headsets, controllers, software licenses and instructor training—to provide immersive instruction in de-escalation, crisis intervention, communication and decision-making.
- $122,066 to Summit Township to purchase a new tractor with boom mower, replacing aging equipment and supporting right-of-way mowing, debris removal and ongoing roadway maintenance to ensure roadway safety.
- $156,552 to the City of Erie to replace roofs at Engine 11 and Engine 13 fire stations, addressing active leaks, preventing damage to equipment and facilities, and improving safety for first responders.
- $747,108 to the City of Erie to purchase a new, larger milling machine for the Public Works Department—boosting productivity and reducing paving costs by limiting the need to bid out paving projects.
- $320,642 to Erie Water Works to purchase a hydro-excavation vacuum truck for safe excavation and maintenance of buried infrastructure, enabling in-house water distribution repairs, stormwater maintenance, utility work and compliance with DEP Service Line Inventory requirements.
The funding was awarded through the Statewide Local Share Account, which is financed by gaming revenues. Under Act 71 of 2004, those gaming revenues are distributed to support projects that serve the public interest across Pennsylvania.