Bizzarro announces $200K+ grant for water system upgrades
Erie Water Works approved for $224,218 grant for treatment plant
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro January 20, 2026 | 11:12 AM
ERIE, Jan. 20 – Saving a quarter of a million dollars for local sewer customers, state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro announced a state grant of $224,218 for Erie Water Works Tuesday.
“Access to clean water should never be taken for granted,” said Bizzarro, who represents Fairview and Millcreek townships. “Upgrades to a system can be very costly, but this state investment will help keep local costs in check and ensure Erie Water Works’ system operates more efficiently while extending the life of the system and critical equipment.”
Erie Water Works will use the funds to install low-duty, variable frequency drives, which are electronic devices that allow operators to modulate pump speed to meet the demand of the system in real time – reducing energy consumption and extending the life of the system’s equipment.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved the grant at their Tuesday meeting. The grant is administered through the PA Small Water and Sewer Program. The program uses state funds to assist with the construction, improvement, expansion, or rehabilitation or repair of a water supply system, sanitary sewer system, storm sewer system, or flood control projects.
The announcement continues Bizzarro’s efforts to support funding for local projects through state investments. This legislative session, Bizzarro has helped secure more than $29.7 million in state funding for projects and services in the Erie region.