Senators Fetterman, McCormick, Rep. Kelly Announce $1.5 Million in Funding for Presque Isle State Park

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Dave McCormick (R-PA), with U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA-16), announced $1.5 million in federal funding for Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania. The funding was secured following a bipartisan and joint Federal-State government letter, and Senator Fetterman's personal effort with Assistant Secretary of the Army--Civil Works (ASA (CW)) Adam Telle, to identify available funds for the park's shore protection.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District has placed over 1.4 million cubic yards of sand along the harbor since 1993. Each year, Presque Isle needs an additional 560,000 tons of sand to prevent erosion that is harmful to navigation of the harbor, regional infrastructure, and the park's vibrant ecosystem. Annual funding, split between the state and federal governments, allows the park to increase sand replenishment to necessary levels for preservation.

"I'm grateful Assistant Secretary Telle answered my call last week and worked to get this funding secured for Presque Isle, and for Senator McCormick, Congressman Mike Kelly, and the local and state legislators for their advocacy," said Senator Fetterman. "Presque Isle is an iconic Pennsylvania destination that my family and I have the pleasure of visiting often. It's one of our favorite spots and everyone should be able to enjoy it. We should be doing everything we can to ensure places like Presque Isle continue to thrive environmentally and economically."

"This investment will help protect the shoreline, preserve public access, and ensure Presque Isle - a Pennsylvania treasure - continues to drive economic growth and attract visitors to Northwest PA," said Senator McCormick. "I'm grateful to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for recognizing the importance of this project, and proud to have worked alongside Senator Fetterman, Congressman Kelly, and our state and local partners to deliver this result for Erie."

"In February, I led a bipartisan letter with Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and our state partners, to make it clear: funding for Presque Isle sand replenishment is imperative for the park and for Erie's economy. Today, I'm proud to join my Senate colleagues to announce this year's funding has been secured. Supporting Presque Isle has been, and will continue to be, a top priority for me and my team," said Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA).

In addition to Senators Fetterman and McCormick, and Rep. Kelly, the letter was also signed by several state legislators including State Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie), State Representative Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), State Representative Robert Merski (D-Erie), House Democratic Policy Chairman Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie), and State Representative Jake Banta (R-Erie). They collectively highlighted the importance of this funding with ASA (CW) Telle, urging the federal government to cover its portion of the $3 million in funding.

"Sand replenishment at Presque Isle is a proven, cost-effective approach that protects federal, state, and local investments, enhances shoreline resilience, and preserves public access to critical Great Lakes resources. This funding would directly adhere to the Corps' objectives of reducing flood and storm damage risk, supporting environmental stewardship, and promoting sustained economic growth in coastal and Great Lakes communities," wrote the members in their February letter.

To ensure the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is on track with projects for this construction season, the $1.5 million in federal funds are expected to be released in the next few weeks to keep the award on schedule for July.