We’re pleased to announce that a $10 million Pennvest financing package has been secured to fund Phase 4 of the Erie City Water Authority’s service line replacement project. About 1,000 private galvanized service connections will be replaced, eliminating the last sources of corrosion and lead exposure.

This financing preserves affordable water rates for residents across Erie, Millcreek, Wesleyville, McKean, Lawrence Park, Greene, Harborcreek, Summit and surrounding communities, preventing a substantial rate increase. The investment safeguards public health, rebuilds confidence in local drinking water, and delivers necessary infrastructure upgrades without saddling families with higher costs.

If you plan to vote by mail for the Nov. 4 General Election, apply by Oct. 28. Your completed ballot must be received by the Erie County Board of Elections by 8 p.m. on Nov. 4.

You can apply online, by mail, or in person. Follow the ballot instructions, seal the yellow secrecy envelope inside the pre-addressed outer envelope, and sign and date the outer envelope before returning it by the deadline.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day for those who prefer to vote in person.

Thank you to everyone who joined our Hispanic Heritage Month Online Town Hall. We heard directly from members of the Latino community about priorities including education, housing, healthcare, and jobs, and discussed the many ways Latino residents strengthen Erie.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we wore pink this past Friday to show our support. I was also honored to be present at the Pennsylvania Capitol as the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition turned the fountain pink.

PennDOT is proposing safety improvements to more than one mile of Route 19 (Peach Street) in Summit Township from Dorn Road to Oliver Road (Route 4008). Work is expected to take place from spring 2027 through spring 2028. No detours are anticipated; one lane in each direction will be maintained and short-term driveway closures may occur with alternative access provided.

Please review the project handout and digital display boards and share your comments online here. Your feedback helps shape safer streets in our community.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will never call or text to ask for personal information about your benefits.

If you receive a suspicious call or text about DHS benefits, do not provide any personal details and report it immediately to the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

Bob Merski

District Office

3921 Buffalo Rd.

Erie, PA 16510

(814) 455-6319

Pennsylvania State Capitol

221 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202002

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-4358