Erie County is getting a $4.5 million boost for community projects.
The funding, announced by State Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Pat Harkins, and Bob Merski, comes from Pennsylvania’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). It will support 30 local initiatives aimed at helping low-income residents and revitalizing distressed areas. Projects include food distribution, housing, job creation, and neighborhood improvements.
Some of the notable Erie County projects receiving funding through NAP include:
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania — $683,150 to distribute food across northwest Pennsylvania, including 1.5 million pounds of produce.
Federal Resources Corporation — $138,672 to renovate a vacant space in Erie’s PA enterprise zone to house FRC headquarters, creating jobs and attracting investment
Kate Philips & Co., Inc. — $500,000 (Enterprise Zone) to renovate a downtown historic building for company headquarters, create jobs, and improve public space.
Mercy Center for Women — $184,500 to convert the Holy Rosary Rectory into transitional housing for women experiencing homelessness and trauma.
Bayfront East Side Taskforce (BEST) — $237,000 to support home repairs, accessibility modifications, and neighborhood stabilization.
The representatives say these investments will strengthen Erie neighborhoods by addressing critical needs like food security, housing, and job opportunities. Statewide, $70 million was awarded through the program, which saw its funding doubled in the latest state budget. A full list of Erie County grant recipients is available on the representatives’ websites.