$3.9 million awarded to Erie, 2025 year in review, key info for scholarship opportunities, and more!

Rep. Robert Merski January 9, 2026 | 11:42 AM

A Big Boost for Erie Infrastructure

We want to begin this week’s e-blast with the news that another $3.9 million in grant money has been awarded to Erie County. More than $1.1 million from the Multimodal Transportation Fund will replace the Bell Street Bridge, improving safety and reliability for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists while supporting neighborhood access and local businesses.

A separate package of $1.1+ million in Green Light-Go funding will modernize traffic signals at two critical intersections — West 12th Street & Pittsburgh Avenue in the city of Erie and Buffalo Road & Station Road in Wesleyville Borough — reducing congestion, improving real-time traffic response, and making our streets safer for everyone.

An additional $1.57 million in Commonwealth Financing Authority grants will accelerate trails and park improvements, address sediment and stormwater issues, support invasive species control, and protect conservation lands. These investments strengthen public safety, public health and economic opportunity across our community.

2025 Review and How We Can Help

What a year — together we delivered big wins for our community, solved problems for thousands of neighbors, and kept fighting for the investments that matter most to Erie County. We remain eternally grateful for the partnerships, feedback, and hard work that made progress possible.

If you need help with a state issue — from PennDOT concerns to questions regarding state services, licensing, or constituent benefits —we’re ready and happy to assist. Onward to 2026 — we look forward to continuing this work for our community.

PA Students: Sign Up for a Chance at a $2,500 Scholarship

The PA Forward No-Essay Scholarship is now open for Pennsylvania high school and college students who will be enrolled in the 2026–2027 academic year. This is a simple opportunity to win one of twelve $2,500 scholarships — no essay required.

How to enter: Opt in to the PA Forward email list and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. If you or a student in your family plan to enroll next year, please take a moment to sign up.

America250PA Semiquincentennial Scholarships

A friendly reminder that America250PA is awarding $250,000 in Semiquincentennial Scholarships to support Pennsylvania high school seniors who plan to continue their education in-state for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Who can apply: Pennsylvania high school seniors planning to attend an accredited Pennsylvania college or university in 2026–27.

What’s awarded: 25 scholarships of $10,000 each, distributed across America250PA’s six regions.

Where they can be used: Any Pennsylvania college or university; up to 12 awards for community college students and up to 13 awards for students attending four-year institutions.

When: Scholarships will be awarded in 2026 for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Don’t miss your chance — apply today: https://america250pa.org/PPE:_Semiquin_Scholarships

Important Changes to PA ABLE

The PA ABLE Savings Program has expanded eligibility, allowing thousands more Pennsylvanians with disabilities to benefit from a tax-free way to save for their future. Individuals are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account if their disability began before age 46 -- an increase from the previous age limit of 26 -- making this a significant and impactful change.

Since its launch in 2017, PA ABLE has helped people with disabilities build financial security without jeopardizing essential benefits such as Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Participants can contribute up to $20,000 annually, use funds for a wide range of disability-related expenses, and deduct contributions from Pennsylvania state income taxes.

Currently, more than 11,500 Pennsylvanians have saved nearly $185 million through PA ABLE, with many more now eligible due to the expanded age limit. To learn more, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

Jumpstart Your Career with SNAP JETS Training

We’re pleased to share an opportunity to gain real, marketable job skills quickly through SNAP JETS. This program offers hands-on training in fields such as culinary arts, health care, banking, and more, paired with local support to help participants find and keep employment.

SNAP JETS provides short-term, skills-based training designed to prepare participants for in-demand jobs. Participants receive hands-on instruction in practical fields and access local support services that help with applications, job placement, and job retention.

Click here to get details about available programs, eligibility, and next steps.