A new spot for Erie’s anglers thanks to Carmeuse Erie Dock

Locals and visitors to Erie, PA, can now enjoy the benefits of a newly upgraded fishing pier on the shores of Presque Isle Bay, thanks in part to a donation by the Carmeuse Erie Dock Operation. The company gave 200 tons of raw material to the redevelopment of the Holland Street Fishing Pier, which was officially opened on June 23rd 2021. 

The new 15ft wide by 130 ft long pier is perpetually dedicated to two locals, Jerry Skrypsak and Ed Kissel, who have pushed for over a decade to see new life breathed into the facility. Both are members of SONS of Lake Erie, a group dedicated to improving fishing on Lake Erie and which was a key partner, alongside Carmeuse, on the project.

The contribution of both organizations was formally recognized by the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority on social media. “A special thank you to the PA Fish and Boat Commission, Carmeuse and the SONS of Lake Erie for their partnership on this project,” said the Port Authority, which also encouraged locals to “come down to fish, relax, or simply enjoy the beauty Presque Isle Bay has to offer!”

The pier redevelopment formed part of Erie Dock’s 2020 Sustainability Project and was set in motion by Operations Manager, Brian Burke, as a way of benefitting the local area. In addition, the sustainability project aimed to improve the Erie Dock site itself, and Burke commended the dock crew both for their dedication and hard work to making the site a safer and more hospitable working environment and for their contribution to the local community. 

Pictured to the right, is an aerial view of the newly upgraded fishing pier dedicated to Jerry Skrypsak and Ed Kissel. (photo provided by Brian Burke, Carmeuse).