We’re pleased to announce two major state investments that together bring more than $19.84 million to Erie County to strengthen infrastructure, create jobs, expand services, and support our young people.

First, an $18 million Pennvest financing package has been approved to protect our water system. These funds will replace roughly 1,250 remaining galvanized private-side service connections and renovate the West 12th Street maintenance facility, along with targeted distribution upgrades. These projects will stop threats to water quality at the source and strengthen service reliability for about 56,800 households across the region.

In addition, five state grants totaling $1.84 million will support workforce development and youth programming across Erie County. That includes a $300,000 Industry Partnership award to the Pennsylvania Steel Alliance to expand upskilling, reskilling and youth career pathways in the steel and manufacturing sector, and more than $1.54 million from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to expand after-school and summer programs, mentoring, sports opportunities and coordinated violence-prevention efforts for hundreds of local youth.

Big news for Erie — ‘The Fray’ will headline the America250PA Commonwealth Concert Series for Northwest Pennsylvania. Free tickets are available; sign up to request yours at https://america250pa.org/Concert_Series/.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music and celebrate our community!

What an inspiring day at the Capitol, welcoming visitors from Erie. We were pleased to host pharmacy students from LECOM Pharmacy School and meet with IU5 special-education instructional leaders Jordan Lander, Kelly Cortez and Brandie Stevens.

Their perspectives on healthcare, pharmacy education, and special education needs were invaluable. I’m grateful they brought their expertise to Harrisburg — conversations like these help inform our work and strengthen partnerships between educators, health professionals, and policymakers.

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for joining us at the Capitol to share information about conservation and recreation on our Commonwealth's waterways. It was a privilege to learn more about the resources and programs they offer to anglers and families across Erie.

I also had fun trying my hand at fly casting on the Capitol lawn — a great reminder of the outdoor opportunities we enjoy here at home.

A heartfelt thank you to Cheryl Rush Dix for visiting the Capitol to discuss teacher recruitment and retention, as well as STEM education initiatives. Our conversation focused on practical steps to recruit and retain great teachers and to expand math and science opportunities that will educate and inspire Erie’s young people.

We appreciate Cheryl’s advocacy and commitment to strengthening classrooms and career pathways in our community.

Registration is open for the Empowering Connections Micro Summit on May 4, 2026 — a free, virtual event from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services’ Bureau of Business Inclusion and Supplier Development.

They're offering expert-led workshops, practical guidance, and direct support to help small businesses navigate opportunities with the Commonwealth.

Register and view event details here.

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