Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority Awards $1.65M in Grants amid Recent Scrutiny

Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) on Tuesday handed out $1.6 million dollars in community facilities grants, but leaders of the organization and Erie County Council also defended ECGRA from recent questions about its operation during the presentation.

The big check was front and center as ECGRA awarded the money to 19 nonprofits for capital improvements including $70,000 for the Boys and Girls Club swimming pool and $75,000 for a new roof for St. Martin Center.

The funding can be used for capital improvements, programming, and equipment for publicly accessible community centers.

"We all have capital needs, but when we can get help in that area it then allows us to fulfill our mission, ultimately helping people be successful and meet families in need," aid David Gonzales. "That's really what it's about for us."

Even before the grants were announced, County Council President Terry Scutella promised those present that county council won't rethink keeping EGRA as an independent authority to distribute the local share of gaming revenue, which brought applause.

"It has to be separated from the politicians because when you start getting that pet thing, the money doesn't go to the right places," said Scutella.

That's welcome news for ECGRA executive director Perry Wood after recent scrutiny from County Executive Brenton Davis.

"We're an independent authority," said Wood. "We're going to keep operating independently, we're going to stay out of the political fray, and when others try to drag us into it, we're gonna stay neutral on it. At the end of the day, the most important thing are the recipients of these funds and the good work they're doing to revitalize your county."

Wood and ECGRA board president Dale Barney both said all the attention may lead to some belt-tightening, but they hope to keep the attention on the good these grants do.

"It's just amazing how the good we're doing is trying to be overshadowed by the person who just yells the most," said Barney.

County Executive Brenton Davis and some members of the local legislative delegation have called for an audit of ECGRA. If it happens, Scutella doesn't expect they'll find any issues.

Support for ECGRA is expected to be on display at Tuesday evening's County Council meeting.

Here's a look at the recipients and the amount of each grant: