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ECGRA Investments Support Edinboro Community, Economic Revitalization

Posted on September 12th, 2019 at 10:37 AM

As towns and communities across the region reinvest in local businesses, infrastructure, and neighborhoods, ECGRA officials announced a new round of investments in Edinboro, including a $250,000 Mission Main Street grant to support the Borough of Edinboro's efforts to reinvigorate its downtown corridor.

"Local share gaming revenue is making a transformational impact through reinvestment in Erie County's Main Streets, and helping fuel economic activity by supporting successful arts and cultural experiences like the Edinboro Highland Games," County Council Member Scott Rastatter said.  "These experiences draw visitors and residents to our communities, while investments in our Main Streets help to grow the local economies."

Rastatter was joined by Edinboro University President Dr. Guiyou Huang, Borough of Edinboro Manager, Kevin Opple, and local Borough and Economic Development officials to celebrate the ongoing reinvestment in the Edinboro community.

"ECGRA is maintaining a keen focus on investments that move the needle for Erie County by supporting innovation and collaboration through the Beehive Network, which opens the doors of our universities entrepreneurs across Erie County," said Dr. Guiyou Huang.  "We are excited to partner with our neighbors who support EU's efforts to provide the best possible experience for our students and area residents."

"The success of facade renovations made possible through 2018 ECGRA grants has energized the community to invest in the improvement of the downtown community," said Opple.  "The ECGRA and Borough investment of about $18,000 leveraged more than $65,000 in investments from business and building owners, fueling the first downtown renovation program in over a decade."

The Mission Main Street Grant announced today will provide direct assistance to the business community through facade improvements, transformation of lighting and sidewalks, new banners for Erie and Meadville Streets, train and reinforce partners to leverage social media platforms to advance business and community goals.