Over $152,000 in grants will be distributed to 14 arts, culture and heritage organizations in Erie County, according to the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA). 

The grants are part of ECGRA's 2020 Community Assets Grant Program. 

To date, ECGRA has invested $2.478 million in the program, which has gone on to support capital improvements and programming that provide social, educational, cultural, health, recreational, and economic benefits to residents of Erie County. 

Presque Isle was a big winner in this year's round of grants. 

The Presque Isle Partnership will receive $15,000 for Presque Isle Lights, a holiday light festival designed to draw visitors to experience the winter beauty of Presque Isle.

The Erie Police Athletic League (PAL) will receive $15,000 to develop relationships between Erie Police and kids by teaching them to fish at Presque Isle and to experience the natural beauty of the park. 

“ECGRA’s investment in Erie PAL makes this program possible,” said PAL Director Tommy Lenox. “Programs like the DCNR fishing program open up the cop-kid relationship in Erie County beyond the neighborhood and expand opportunities for kids who may not otherwise experience sports like fishing or the natural beauty of Presque Isle State Park.  

Additionally, the Erie Bird Observatory (EBO) will receive $10,000 to ensure continued bird monitoring at Presque Isle. The funding will also create new bird-watching opportunities for community members who haven't been exposed to avian life along the Lake Erie coastline. The program also supports conservation efforts and will assist in enhancing Presque Isle and the surrounding areas of Erie County as a major birding destination in the Great Lakes. 

A total of $152,563.99 in funding was announced as part of this year's round of grants. The breakdown is available below.