Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Tuesday that he wants to invest $25 million in a new program called Main Street Matters to improve downtowns, main streets, and the neighborhoods surrounding them.
The governor made the announcement while in Lemoyne, PA, where he was on a tour to discuss the proposed 2024-25 state budget with local officials and small business owners.
The Main Street Matters program aims to help communities revitalize their downtown areas and main streets, improving the quality of life for residents and visitors. The program would provide funding for a variety of projects, including streetscaping improvements, parking lot revitalization, and the creation of outdoor spaces for events and performances.
Governor Shapiro believes that the program will help to create jobs and attract new businesses to Pennsylvania communities.
The Main Street Matters program is part of a broader economic development strategy proposed by the governor and his administration. The plan includes $500 million to bring more commercial and industrial sites to Pennsylvania, $20 million to support innovation, and $3.5 million to create a new regional economic competitiveness challenge.
Story source: governor.pa.gov