News Updates

The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) awarded $159,232 of funding to the 2023 Parks, Fields, and Trails grant recipients to improve Erie County for residents and visitors.

"I can't think of anything more important than investing in green spaces around Erie County," said ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood.  "Investing in green spaces means supporting health, family, beautification, tourism and local business all at once."

Erie County health assessments continue to show a decline in physical activity and an increase in preventable illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.  Investment in parks, fields, and trails can encourage healthy lifestyles, promote equitable distribution of park opportunities, and attract athletic competitions enhancing local tourism.  Additionally, an investment in parks can help rejuvinate neighborhoods and Main Streets throughout Erie County.

"This ECGRA grant will help the community take advantage of the abundant, unique and powerful resources Erie County has to offer," said Erie Maritime Foundation Vice President Vince Nientimp.

The Community Assets - Parks, Fields, and Trails grant was launched as an impact investment towards the quality of place in Erie County.  It promotes well-being, fosters civic pride, drives tourism and attracts, retains, and mobilizes creative talent and innovative businesses through cultural, heritage, service, and recreational organizations and projects.  Currently, grant and endowment funds are at work for Lead Assets and Special Events and Community Assets.

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.  ECGRA administers local share gaming revenue on behalf of Erie County government.