Harkins, Merski, secure $1.57M for Erie outdoor projects

Rep. Robert Merski December 19, 2025 | 2:21 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – In a decisive move to protect and expand Erie County’s outdoor spaces and natural resources, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, today announced more than $1.57 million in Commonwealth Financing Authority grants for projects across the region.

The funding will support trail development, park improvements, sediment and stormwater management, invasive species control, and land conservation -- preserving green spaces for residents and future generations.

“Investing in our parks and waterways benefits public health and recreation,” Harkins said. “These grants will help move projects from planning to progress and make our outdoor spaces safer and more accessible for everyone.”

“These grants are an investment in Erie’s future -- improving outdoor recreation now while protecting our waterways and green spaces for generations to come,” Merski added.

Funding highlights include:

$212,570 — Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, GreenWood Resources conservation easement acquisition.
$200,000 — City of Erie, Garrison Run sediment reduction.
$200,000 — City of Erie, Cemetery Run watershed restoration.
$190,000 — City of Erie, McClelland Park trail improvements.
$180,000 — The Pennsylvania State University, Wintergreen Gorge trail implementation.
$150,000 — City of Erie, Bayview Park improvements.
$125,000 — Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier, LEAF Nature Slide Project.
$113,082 — Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, invasive species impact management in Northwest PA.
$63,083 — Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, invasive species control on high-priority sites.
$61,160 — Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, invasive species control in the Lake Erie watershed.
$42,000 — Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, invasive species control for county parks and conservation areas.
$38,208 — Erie County Conservation District, pocket park extension.