Harkins and Merski deliver $10M funding boost to Erie City Water Authority
Will fund modernization of aging water service lines
Rep. Robert Merski April 23, 2025 | 11:13 AM
ERIE, April 23 – A $9,585,100 grant from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, paired with a $414,900 low-interest loan, is set to propel significant water quality improvements throughout Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today.
"Delivering safe water is the cornerstone of our community’s well-being,” Harkins said. “We're boldly advancing our efforts to eliminate health hazards and modernize our water infrastructure—ensuring that every resident enjoys a cleaner, safer water supply for the future."
“This funding isn’t merely an investment in pipes and fittings—it’s an investment in our community’s longevity,” Merski said. “By modernizing our water system today, we’re safeguarding public health and setting a sturdy foundation for future generations to thrive.”
The lawmakers said the project will involve the replacement of approximately 1,250 service connections in the environmental justice areas of Erie city. Over decades, the authority has progressively removed lead-based materials from the public side of service lines. Now, this initiative targets the remaining downstream, private-side connections—all of which are in areas identified as experiencing pressing environmental concerns.
With a service network that reliably provides water to 31,748 households in Erie—and with additional service extended to Wesleyville Borough, McKean Borough and surrounding townships—the project promises enhanced water quality, improved infrastructure resilience, and a significant elimination of potential lead exposure risks.
Pennvest specializes in funding sewer, storm water and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Pennvest’s low-cost financial assistance helps make the water that is consumed every day by thousands of Pennsylvanians safe to drink.