Casey, Fetterman Secure $11 Million for Erie-Western Port Authority

Funding will help port increase the number of ships docking at one time, bolster flow of commerce in Northwestern PA

Award made possible by infrastructure law

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) secured $11,250,000 for the Erie-Western Port Authority. The funding will be used to widen the port's Parade Street Slip to ensure it can reliably dock two ships side-by-side. The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and was made possible by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will allow the port to dock more ships, increasing the flow of commerce at the port and creating economic opportunity for the region.

"This game-changing investment in the Port of Erie will increase the flow of commerce into Northwestern PA, creating jobs and economic opportunity throughout the region," said Senator Casey. "It's yet another example of how the infrastructure law is bolstering our Commonwealth's ports and strengthening our economy. I will always fight for investments that improve Pennsylvania's ports and strengthen our transportation system."

"The Erie-Western PA Port Authority is doing critical work to drive growth and opportunity in our community. This $11 million in funding means we can make meaningful infrastructure upgrades that will improve port efficiency and enhance safety for its workers. I'm proud to see this funding come through and I'll keep fighting for resources that benefit the hardworking people of Pennsylvania," said Senator Fetterman.

The $11,250,000 in federal funding will help the port widen its existing Parade Street Slip, which is located on the south shore of Presque Isle Bay. The current slip, which was constructed when the width of ships traveling on the Great Lakes were much narrower, is not wide enough to permit the simultaneous docking of two side-by-side ships on the east and west sides of the slip. The widening would allow more ships to dock at the port, increasing economic opportunities for city of Erie and the region. Earlier this year, Senator Casey sent a letter the Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg pushing for this funding to be allocated to the Erie-Western project.

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