WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) has announced that $289,366,974 in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding was included in 11 fiscal year 2026 appropriations bills signed into law. The money will support 121 projects focused on affordable housing development, water infrastructure upgrades, equipment for police departments and other critical initiatives across Pennsylvania. 

Projects supported by Fetterman include $4,850,000 for projects in the tri-county area.

“Bringing money back to Pennsylvania is one of my core responsibilities as the senior senator,” Fetterman said in a news release. “I’m proud of the work our community is doing and believe this funding will continue to show why Pennsylvania is a leader on all fronts.”

“These projects are crucial for Pennsylvania’s economic development, our communities, and future generations,” Fetterman added. 

A breakdown by northwestern Pennsylvania county is as follows:

ERIE — $3,100,000

Erie County Cornerstone Community Land Trust Affordable Housing Program ($1,100,000) to support Erie County Community Land Bank in acquiring property, removing blighted properties, and constructing affordable housing across Erie County.

“The Cornerstone Community Land Trust is excited to utilize the awarded appropriation funds from Senator Fetterman’s office to grow our inventory of affordable homes,” said Jeremy Bloeser, executive director of Erie County Land Bank. “We are using a multifaceted approach to increase the possibilities of homeownership throughout Erie County with new residential construction, the strengthening of neighborhoods and the creation of a county-wide land trust for permanently affordable housing. These homes will allow for low-income homebuyers to achieve their dreams and bring housing stability to their families for generations,” 

The Erie Coke demolition project will receive $2,000,000 to cover first-phase demolition costs of the smokestack and surrounding structures at the eastern side and main entrance of the former Erie Coke site adjacent to downtown Erie and Lake Erie.

“We appreciate Senator Fetterman’s advocacy and continued support on this crucial project in our community, as this grant enables us to begin demolition work on the former Erie Coke site,” said Julie Slomski, executive director of the Erie-Western PA Port Authority. This is an important first step on a cleanup project that addresses a critical need in our community here on the east side of Erie,” 

CRAWFORD — $1,500,000

Common Roots Revitalizing Upper Water Street in Meadville is slated for $750,000 to support affordable housing construction on a vacant lot in downtown Meadville.

“Meadville desperately needs affordable homes,” said Julie Wilson, executive director of Common Roots. “Lower income households have few, if any, good options in this market. Employers are struggling to recruit and retain the workers they need. Our downtown needs density to thrive. These funds will be used to transform vacant land on a central corridor into six new, energy-efficient, affordable homes for working families.” 

French Creek Force Main Replacement will receive $750,000 to replace an outdated force main which the Meadville Area Sewer Authority operates under French Creek.

WARREN — $250,000

A total of $250,000 was designated to the City of Warren Community Park Improvement Project to make improvements to Point Park in the city of Warren, including an ADA-accessible restroom.