The groundwork erie capacity building agreement advances the national park service mission by supporting land revitalization projects that transform vacant and blighted lands, known as brownfields,…

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded Groundwork USA Inc. a Cooperative Agreement totaling $134,425.59 under the Groundwork - Brownfield to Greenspace program (CFDA 15.965) on July 25, 2025, with a completion date of July 31, 2026. This capacity building agreement supports land revitalization initiatives in Erie, Pennsylvania, specifically advancing the NPS mission of extending environmental conservation and outdoor recreation benefits to underserved urban communities. The funded activities include planning and community engagement for the Erie Bayfront Greenway, workforce development programming, and land reuse activities that transform vacant and blighted brownfield sites into functional parks and trails.

The agreement supports Groundwork USA Inc.'s implementation of projects designed to improve the local economy and quality of life for Erie residents through environmental restoration and community-driven initiatives. As a nonprofit organization specializing in urban land revitalization and youth engagement, Groundwork USA Inc. delivers technical assistance, capacity building support, and project management services that facilitate the transformation of neglected urban spaces into community assets while simultaneously creating workforce development opportunities for local residents.

The groundwork erie capacity building agreement advances the national park service mission by supporting land revitalization projects that transform vacant and blighted lands, known as brownfields, into parks and trails. Funding through this task agreement supports planning and engagement for the erie bayfront greenway, workforce development programming, and land reuse activities. The goals of these projects are to improve the economy and quality of life for erie, PA.