The PA Department of Community and Economic Development ‘s Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) announced at its February 24th meeting funding for multiple projects under the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program.
Among those was $149,492 for improved walkability and sidewalks at Savocchio Opportunity Park. “We are very grateful to the CFA for this grant. This will allow us to extend sidewalks around the property, improving access to the Grow Erie commercial and community greenhouses,” said MCIC Board President Shantel Hilliard.
The Commonwealth Financing Authority, who reviewed the applications and announced the awards, indicated that competition for the funds was very strong, and demand far exceeded the available funds with $443 million requested for the approximate $87 million that was available.
James Sherrod, Treasurer of MCIC commented, “The Commonwealth has been very supportive of our project, recognizing the impact it will have on the community and the new technology we are bringing to the agriculture sector. We are very grateful for their continued support.”
This award marks the third grant from Pennsylvania, the two previous were from the Department of Agriculture.
Gary Horton, MCIC co-founder and board member added, “The improvements to this site and the opportunities that will come from both the community and commercial facility are immense. UECDC is located nearby and this grant will allow our neighbors to benefit from additional
sidewalks and safe access to the Savocchio campus.”
About Grow Erie: In partnership with the Erie County Redevelopment Authority (ECRDA) and Integrated Agriculture Systems (INTAG) and in collaboration with C.A. Curtze Company, the Grow Erie project is an equitable economic development project located at Savocchio Opportunity Park, a 19-acre former brownfield that has been brought back to life and is serving as a catalyst for change and opportunity on Erie’s eastside.
Grow Erie’s advanced technology commercial operation is a social enterprise that will create sustainable income to reinvest in high-need neighborhoods, provide employment opportunities to low-income residents, and bring a source of locally grown food to a USDA-designated food
desert.
Grow Erie consists of two distinct facilities at Savocchio Opportunity Park, a 17,000 sq.ft. commercial facility and a 3,000 sq.ft community greenhouse.
In November Integrated Agriculture Systems (INTAG) announced its plans to relocate its operations to Erie, specifically at Savocchio Opportunity Park. INTAG plans to build a 3,000 sq.ft. facility at Savocchio Opportunity Park and continue its cutting edge research there.
