The Minority Community Investment Coalition (MCIC) Grow Erie project received a $50,000 reimbursement grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
MCIC said the funds will work to advance the first-of-its-kind project at Savocchio Business Park located on Erie's east side. The Grow Erie project is an equitable economic development project that works to establish a controlled environment of agriculture in one of the poorest census tracts in Erie County. The Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant will allow MCIC to use funds to purchase and install the INTAG Nutrient System. The INTAG Natural Nutrient System allows wastewater and sludge material to be utilized as a natural source of nutrients for plant cultivation.
Grow Erie officially began construction last week. Construction consists of two distinct facilities at Savocchio Opportunity Park. The project consists of the following:
- A 17,000-square-foot commercial facility where fish and plants will be grown using a system of aquaponics. This high-tech greenhouse will operate year-round and will supply C.A. Curtze Company with market-rate, locally grown fresh greens, micro-greens, live herbs, and rainbow trout.
- A 2,500-square-foot community greenhouse will be open to residents and offer a variety of raised beds for growing produce. The accessible, year-round greenhouse will contain the necessary equipment for ensuring food safety and the production of clean, healthy food for distribution through neighborhood farmer’s markets.
Source: Erie News Now