WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today applauded the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for including $1.5 million for Presque Isle in their 2011 work plan.
“Presque Isle is crucial to the economy of Northwestern Pennsylvania and I am pleased the Army Corps of Engineers has decided to release these funds for improvements to the park,” said Senator Casey. “Maintaining Presque Isle ensures that over four million annual visitors are able to enjoy a variety of recreational activities and protects the ecosystem that is home to unique populations of local wildlife.”
“This is great news for Presque Isle State Park, as well as to the millions of visitors to the park each year,” said Park Operations Manager Harry Leslie. “Several of our beaches are in need of additional sand to restore them for recreational usage and shoreline protection for park infrastructure. In addition this extra sand will provide needed nourishment at our Beach #10 area, which in turn will help protect the fragile environment of Gull Point. Along with the other funds already appropriated this year for Presque Isle State Park beaches, these additional funds will provide for nourishment activities to restore our beaches to the best condition they have been for many years.”
Presque Isle is the top attraction for Erie’s tourism economy and plays an important role in reducing potential flood damage.
Since taking office, Senator Casey has secured more than $2.5 million in federal funding for Presque Isle. He also supported $1 million that was eliminated when the 2011 budget bill was blocked late last year.
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