We’re pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved an $18.5 million investment in our local water infrastructure. This funding will go toward revamping two major water treatment plants to boost efficiency and improve water quality, and it will also allow us to replace 860 private lead service lines in the neighborhoods that need it most.

These upgrades will deliver safer, more reliable, and affordable drinking water to over 58,000 households across Erie, Millcreek, Wesleyville, McKean, and surrounding communities. By modernizing our system and eliminating lead risks, we’re protecting public health and laying a stronger foundation for our region’s future.

We also were able to secure a $33,537 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Incentive Program to modernize the Erie City Water Authority’s vehicle fleet. Of that amount, $22,500 will go toward purchasing three new electric service vehicles, and $11,037 will fund the installation of three Level 2 charging stations.

This investment will reduce emissions, lower operational costs, and move Erie closer to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Outreach is so important to us. This past weekend, we were at the 814 Concert Series at Rodger Young Park, providing information on state programs and services during a beautiful Erie summer evening.

And last night, our interns Austin and Gabbi enjoyed the music while offering state service materials to all concertgoers at a wonderful community concert. If you have an event in our district that you would like our office to attend, please give us a call at (814) 455-6319. We will make every effort to be there and support our community!

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is now open until the end of the year, providing essential support for eligible older adults and people with disabilities throughout Pennsylvania.

This initiative is designed to ease financial burdens by offering rebates on property taxes or rent, making it easier for you or someone you know to manage household expenses. I encourage you to take a moment to review the eligibility requirements and apply today by visiting pa.gov/PTRR.

Summer break shouldn’t mean empty plates. SUN Bucks provides $120 per eligible child on a prepaid EBT card to help families cover grocery costs when school is out. Children already on SNAP are automatically enrolled, and households not currently receiving SNAP may still qualify.

Visit dhs.pa.gov/SUNBucks to check eligibility, explore program resources, and submit your application.

Benefits for Summer 2025 will begin issuing in mid-July. Apply by August 31, 2025, to make sure your children get the support they need.

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is here to assist veterans who have lost their DD Form 214 or other military documents. This crucial paperwork verifies your military service and is necessary to access benefits, retirement, employment opportunities, and veterans’ organizations.

If you need help locating your DD-214 or correcting it with a DD-215, DMVA’s accredited veteran service officers are ready to support you. You can call toll-free at 1-800-547-2838, or email RA-REQ@pa.gov.

Over 2,300 veterans have received help from DMVA in the past year—don’t wait to get the documents you need!

For more information or to sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, visit www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

Bob Merski

Pennsylvania State Capitol

221 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202002

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-4358

District Office

3921 Buffalo Rd.

Erie, PA 16510

(814) 455-6319