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County official reports Opportunity Zone nominations, ECC Pell eligibility and 74% completion of Erie–Pittsburgh Trail
Summary
At the June 22 meeting county staff reported Erie County submitted 25 parcels for Opportunity Zone 2.0, Erie County Community College received Title IV (Pell) eligibility with an estimated $2.8 million annual student impact, and the Erie–Pittsburgh Trail is 74% complete with an $8 million BUILD grant request pending.
During the reports of county officials at the June 22 meeting, Ms. Vogel provided several administrative and development updates.
Opportunity Zone nominations: Vogel said Erie County submitted a list of 25 eligible parcels to Governor Shapiro for Opportunity Zone 2.0 consideration. The county ranked parcels into tiers (nine highest, eight middle, eight lowest), listing the waterfront and four other priority areas including Wesleyville, Edinboro, Union City and Corry.
Erie County Community College (ECC) Title IV eligibility: Ms. Vogel announced ECC received Title IV eligibility, meaning the college can now administer Pell grants. She said ECC’s spring enrollment was 800 unique students, approximately 80% (640 students) were eligible and that using an average Pell award of $4,500 would bring roughly $2.8 million into the community annually. Vogel also noted the maximum Pell grant is $7,395 and that Pell funds may assist students with tuition, child care and fees.
Erie–Pittsburgh Trail: Vogel reported the trail is 74% complete. She said the project team requested an $8 million federal BUILD grant that, if awarded, could increase completion to an estimated 95% and that the regional connection has produced substantial economic activity in comparable projects.
Ending: The council acknowledged the updates; budget work begins next week and the county will follow through with implementation planning for the reported projects and funding opportunities.
