WHAT ’ S NEWS IN MILLCREEK & SURROUNDING AREA
MORE THAN $ 800,000 AWARDED TO FUND ERIE RECREATIONAL FISHING PROJECTS
Erie anglers will enjoy enhanced fishing opportunities thanks to $ 804,200 in grants from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission , State Reps . Pat Harkins and Bob Merski ( both D-Erie ) have announced .
The lawmakers , members of the House Game and Fisheries Committee , explained that most projects are being funded through the Erie Access Improvement Grant Program , which was recently expanded based on legislation coauthored by Harkins and Erie colleague Rep . Parke Wentling .
“ Our legislation created greater flexibility to use the proceeds of fishing permit revenue by expanding permissible projects beyond access and habitat-related projects to all public fishing-related projects ,” Harkins said . “ We wanted to see folks benefit more broadly from the fees they pay into the system . That flexibility is now there , and it ’ s terrific to see it yielding results for local anglers .”
Merski added , “ It ’ s great to see these dollars going back into funding projects to enrich recreational opportunities on the water . Projects like the pier are especially exciting because they will allow more residents , including veterans who may have mobility issues , to get there and cast their lines .”
The lawmakers listed the following projects as being funded by the Erie Access Improvement Program :
• $ 202,200 to Western PA Port Authority for Phase 2 of the Holland Street Pier Fishing Access . Phase 2 includes a 510-foot-long accessible fishing area linking the new fishing pier at the north end with additional water access along the man-made dock wall to the south .
• $ 150,000 to Western PA Port Authority for Lampe Marina Fish Cleaning Refrigeration Unit , fish cleaning station , and design / construction of refrigeration unit for storage of fish cleaning waste
• $ 200,500 to the Regional Science Consortium for the Lake Erie Buoy Project , support for four buoys that provide real-time information on wind , water and wave conditions
• $ 95,600 to Fairview Township ( 6th Legislative District ) for Avonia Beach Park improvements , design / construction of revetment system to protect shoreline and bluff area .
In addition to the above grants , Lawrence Park Township will receive $ 155,900 under the Boating Facility Grant Program for a Lakeside Boat Launch renovation project , including removal and replacement of a deteriorating ramp and related improvements .
MILLCREEK SCHOOLS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $ 9 MILLION TO DEFRAY PANDEMIC EXPENSES , KEEP STUDENTS LEARNING
Erie school districts and charter schools are expected to receive a combined $ 115.1 million in federal funding to ensure that services and safety measures are in place as more students return to the classroom , announced State Reps . Bob Merski and Pat Harkins .
The lawmakers said the funding will address a wide range of needs , from restoring gaps in learning during the pandemic to fulfilling the need for new supplies and materials .
Millcreek Township School District ’ s share of the funding is slated to be $ 9.4 million .
In addition , additional schools in Erie County , including the Corry Area , Fairview , Girard , Harbor Creek , North East , Northwestern , Union City Area , and Wattsburg Area , will receive a combined $ 27 million .
The funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden . It includes nearly $ 5 billion in federal relief funds to help Pre-K to 12 schools return students to classroom learning and equitably expand opportunity for students who need it most .
At least 90 percent , or $ 4.5 billion , of the funds will flow to traditional public school districts and charter schools . Each entity will receive an amount proportional to the federal Title I-A funds received in 2020 under the Every Student Succeeds Act .
The school districts and charter schools must use at least 20 percent of the money to address learning loss and the social , emotional , and academic needs of underrepresented students , including students from low-income families , students with disabilities , English learners , migrant students , students experiencing homelessness , and children in foster care .
Schools can use the rest of the funding for a wide range of activities , including food service , professional training , technology purchases , sanitization and cleaning supplies , summer and afterschool programs , and mental health supports .
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