The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced several local grants awarded through the Erie Access Improvement Program, according to Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Chairman Senator Dan Laughlin (R-Erie). Projects awarded through the 2020 round of grants include:
- Erie-Western PA Port Authority — Holland Street Pier Fishing Access – Phase 2, Presque Isle Bay
- Erie-Western PA Port Authority — Lampe Marina Fish Cleaning Station, Lake Erie
- Fairview Township — Avonia Beach Park Improvements, Lake Erie
- Regional Science Consortium — Lake Erie Buoy Project, Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay
The Erie Access Improvement Program is funded through proceeds from the sale of Lake Erie permits to be used towards programs that benefit public fishing, including enhanced access and habitat projects on or at Lake Erie and the watersheds of Lake Erie.
“Lake Erie and the associated recreational activities it hosts are key components in local and statewide tourism and economic development,” said Senator Laughlin. “These grants will continue our efforts to improve those activities. The lake is a crown jewel and it is gratifying that the funds raised by the Erie Access Improvement Program are being invested locally to further enhance it as a regional recreation destination.”
In a related matter, the PFBC authorized the acquisition of an easement along 1,675 linear feet of Crooked Creek in Springfield Township, Erie County. Pending due diligence, the PFBC will pay $30,000 for the easement on the property along Holiday Road in Springboro which will be used for public fishing, boating, and riparian and fishery management. The easement will provide significant steelhead fishing opportunities in the area.
“Steelhead fishing is a major part of what makes our region a major destination for anglers from throughout the Commonwealth and many other states,” said Senator Laughlin. “This land acquisition will give anglers increased opportunities to pursue the sport they love.”
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov