HARRISBURG – A $3 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant was awarded to the Erie County Convention Center Authority to construct an indoor market house on Erie’s west bayfront, according to Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).
“The Bayfront Place project has been a top development priority for the city to transform Erie’s waterfront into a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use neighborhood that will contribute to the vitality of the City of Erie and the region,” said Sen. Laughlin. “I’m proud to have secured this grant funding.”
The Bayfront Place Market House Expansion project involves the construction of an approximately 22,000-square-foot Market House and surface parking area comprised of approximately 125 parking spaces. The Market House space will include approximately 14,000 square feet for two, year-round tenants including a grocery store and meat market. The remaining space will be constructed to accommodate both seasonal or permanent tenants.
“The market is designed to operate year-round and it will feature a full-service grocery store as well as local vendors that sell artisan, ethnic and freshly prepared foods, arts, gifts and other unique retail items,” said Sen. Laughlin. “The market has the potential to help alleviate the lack of access to fresh, healthy foods for many downtown Erie residents.”
RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act. They must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov