Bayfront Development Issue Statement Pennsylvania's Lake Erie shoreline has continued to experience a period of growing interest in the development of tourism and business opportunities. Particular emphasis has been on bayfront development in Erie, which has been accelerated since the opening of the bayfront highway in 1990. This has enhanced access to the area, which is of benefit to both tourists and business interests. The Erie Area Chamber of Commerce and Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority have been active participants in facilitating developments in this area.
Efforts are underway to establish a new hotel and convention facility in the downtown bayfront area.
Progress to Date Pennsylvania Sea Grant, through director Bob Light, is represented on the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce and on the Advisory Committee for the Port Authority. Through involvement in these two organizations, Pennsylvania Sea Grant provides direction and other input to help move the appropriate development of the bayfront forward. In specific, projects moving forward include the convention center, marina development, a hotel, a park, and an inter-modal transportation center. In 1999, the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority initiated a water taxi service in conjunction with the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority. The water taxi provides a shuttle service between two locations on the bayfront and Presque Isle State Park.