Kelly-backed Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority project receives $11 million in funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, following support from U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), the U.S. Department of Transportation announced $11,250,000 in grant funding for a project led by Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority to replace the Parade Street slip dock wall in Erie.

In May, Rep. Kelly wrote a letter of support for the project.

"It's essential that we maintain critical infrastructure along Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay," said Rep. Kelly. "These are precious natural resources that also serve as a major economic driver for the Erie region. This funding will provide a major return on investment for the Port Authority and for local businesses for years to come."

This project will reconstruct approximately 1,250 linear feet of the east dock wall of the Parade Street slip and widen the existing Parade Street slip. The project scope includes final design, surveys, geotechnical work, environmental reviews, and permitting.

Rep. Kelly is a member of the House Great Lakes Task Force.

BACKGROUND

The Port Authority's existing Parade Street Slip is in the center of their operational hub between their dry dock facility to the west, which is operated by Donjon Shipbuilding and Repair, LLC and their industrial pier area to the east, which is operated as Erie Sand and Gravel by Carmeuse Lime & Stone. The Parade Street Slip serves both Donjon and Carmeuse for material unloading operations.

The Parade Street Slip was originally constructed during a time when the Great Lakes vessel width was less than that of the current vessels docking at this location, and the narrow slip width limits side-by-side of vessels, or simultaneous docking along both the west and east dock walls. This has decreased the amount of business opportunities that both Donjon and Carmeuse have been able to pursue.