Erie County Times

State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has announced that Erie County will receive more than $3.65 million in state assistance for water, sewer, and arts-related projects. The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority and will be allocated to various municipalities and cultural organizations in the county.

Among the recipients of the funding are Greene Township, which will receive $817,000 for the construction of water infrastructure along several roads. The City of Erie has been granted $319,580 for a pollution reduction project on Garrison Road. Albion Borough will use $276,550 to rehabilitate its stormwater infrastructure, while Millcreek Township will replace the Kearsarge Station sanitary sewer collection system's force main line with the help of $500,000 in funding. Additionally, North East Borough will receive $586,870 for a water line replacement project, and Union City Borough will use $393,609 to upgrade its storm sewers.

The funding will also support various arts and cultural organizations in Erie County. The Arts Council of Erie, operating as Erie Arts and Culture, will receive $82,500 to distribute pandemic recovery payments to arts professionals. The City of Erie Cable TV Access Corp., known as Community Access Media, will receive $28,436 for operating expenses, and the Cultures, Arts, Festivals, and Events of Erie, operating as CAFÉ, will use $20,811 for its operating costs. The Erie Art Museum, Erie Playhouse, Erie Philharmonic, and ExpERIEnce Children's Museum will also receive funding to offset lost revenue and support their ongoing operations.

Sen. Laughlin emphasized the importance of these grants in improving the health and safety of Erie County's communities. He also highlighted the significance of supporting the arts, stating, "And while health and safety are important to the quality of life for everyone, so are the arts, and some of these grants will ensure cultural institutions will continue to be able to enrich all of our lives."

The Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development, oversees the distribution of these funds. For more information on state-related news and updates, constituents can visit Sen. Laughlin's website or follow him on social media.

This funding announcement will provide crucial support for infrastructure projects and arts organizations in Erie County, further enhancing the quality of life for residents and promoting the cultural vibrancy of the region.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.senatorlaughlin.com/2023/12/19/erie-county-communities-receive-more-than-3-65-million-in-infrastructure-arts-funding/