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ECGRA Announces Over $800,000 in Grants to Local Community Assets

Posted on November 16th, 2018 at 12:00 PM
ECGRA Announces Over $800,000 in Grants to Local Community Assets

Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) continued the investment of local share gaming funds across Erie County with an event on Friday, November 16, 2018 to award the latest round of Community Assets Grants.  ECGRA officials were joined by State Senator Dan Laughlin, County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, and other local officials to award the grants at Headwaters Park.

An enhanced line up of eligible projects, coupled with an increase in available funding, has expanded the impact of the ECGRA 2018 Community Assets Grant Program.  The, now $1 million funding pool, that supports the already successful Arts, Culture and Heritage project area, now includes two new project areas: Parks, Fields, & Trails and Community Centers.

"A community asset is just that; a well-maintained asset that enhances the health and vibrancy of our Erie County communities," said Perry Wood, Executive Director, ECGRA.  "The success and the health of neighborhoods depend on focused investment in areas that are proven to improve the economic stability of a region.  Investing in Parks, Fields & Trails, as well as Community Centers will provide a new level of support for community assets that are ready for fresh investment."

The new Parks, Fields & Trails Grants will provide funding for capital projects to create, protect, or improve publicly accessible parks, athletic fields, and trails throughout Erie County.  Funding can also be used to increase or improve access to recreational facilities.

Community Center Grants will support capital improvements, programming, and equipment for publicly accessible community centers.  A community center is a neighborhood or community hub whose primary focus is social, educational, cultural, and/or recreational activities serving a particular segment of the community such as children or senior citizens.

Arts, Culture & Heritage Grants provide capital and program funding for arts, culture, and heritage organizations.  Programs and projects must serve the general public and be open and accessible to the public.

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An impact investing organization, ECGRA's mission is to empower the nonprofit sector, municipal governments, and economic development agencies to revitalize Erie County.  ECGRA is endowed with local share gaming revenue from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania via the Horse Race Gaming Act.  Local share gaming revenue is an assessment of the licensed gambling industry in Pennsylvania.