Local minority leaders are anxiously awaiting, as nearly $262 million in American Rescue plan funding makes its way to Erie County.

The Minority Community Investment Coalition (MCIC) is calling for 10 percent of the funding the city and county receive.

That's about $26 million, which would be used to create a minority investment fund.

“It would be a travesty if we don't receive our fair share,” said Booker T. Washington Center Executive Director and MCIC member Shantel Hilliard. “It's not a handout. This is something that is deserving of our organizations and for our community to help out the broader community as well."

According Hilliard, the money would be used to revitalize community centers and help improve job training, education, and after-school programs.

Hilliard says he investment fund would also help out minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.

"It's about the black and brown community, period,” said Hilliard. “We're going to continue to fight for that and make sure that we are getting true representation on these dollars that have come into our community, predicated on the black and brown community, to make sure that those officials who are receiving those funds are doing their due diligence in spending it correctly."

Some of the funding would be used for economic development at Joyce Savocchio Business Park, on East 16th Street and Downing Avenue.

The MCIC bought 19 acres of the park, back in 2019.

“We’re just trying to create jobs in our neighborhood and make sure that we give people hope,” said Hilliard. “That’s what has been lost, is giving people hope and making sure that those dollars are trickling to them and for them that’s what they need is hope and support.”

Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper is working on an ordinance that must be approved by Erie County Council, before any funding can be distributed.

Dahlkemper is expected to present it to council members, next week.

This story is supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.