WASHINGTON, D.C. — Federal officials have committed $1.5 million for shoreline protection work at Presque Isle State Park, providing Pennsylvania’s share of funding needed to continue sand replenishment efforts that protect Erie Harbor, public infrastructure, and one of the state’s most visited natural attractions.
U.S. Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., and Dave McCormick, R-Pa., along with U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th District, announced the funding after a bipartisan effort involving federal, state, and local officials to secure the federal contribution for the project.
The funding will support ongoing erosion-control work at Presque Isle, a Lake Erie peninsula that requires regular sand replenishment to maintain its shoreline. According to the lawmakers, the park needs approximately 560,000 tons of additional sand annually to offset erosion that threatens navigation, infrastructure, recreation, and environmental resources.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Buffalo District has placed more than 1.4 million cubic yards of sand along the harbor since 1993. Annual replenishment costs are shared by state and federal governments.
The funding follows a February letter sent to Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle by Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation and Erie-area state lawmakers urging the federal government to provide its share of a planned $3 million shoreline protection effort.
“Presque Isle is an iconic Pennsylvania destination that my family and I have the pleasure of visiting often,” Fetterman said. “We should be doing everything we can to ensure places like Presque Isle continue to thrive environmentally and economically.”
McCormick framed the project as both an environmental and economic investment.
“This investment will help protect the shoreline, preserve public access, and ensure Presque Isle … continues to drive economic growth and attract visitors to Northwest PA,” he said.
Kelly, who joined Fetterman and McCormick in advocating for the funding, said lawmakers emphasized the importance of the project to both the park and the regional economy.
In their February correspondence, federal and state officials argued that sand replenishment remains a cost-effective strategy for protecting public investments, reducing storm and flood risks, and preserving access to Great Lakes resources.
Additional signatories included State Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie, and state Reps. Patrick Harkins, Robert Merski, Ryan Bizzarro, and Jake Banta.
According to the lawmakers, the federal funds are expected to be released within the next several weeks, allowing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remain on schedule for construction activities planned for July.
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