Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget will continue to grow our economy, invest in our communities and create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
EBENSBURG – Lt. Gov. Austin Davis joined state and local leaders today at a visit to Pour On Center in Ebensburg to highlight how the Shapiro-Davis Administration is supporting Pennsylvania Main Streets, small businesses and local communities.
Earlier this week Gov. Josh Shapiro stopped by West Philadelphia and Allegheny County small businesses on a “Main Street Matters” tour to show how his 2024-25 budget proposal will create real economic opportunity for Pennsylvanians all across the Commonwealth.
The Shapiro-Davis budget proposes more than $600 million in total new and expanded economic development investments, including $25 million for the newly proposed Main Street Matters program to support small businesses and commercial corridors that are the backbone of Pennsylvania communities.
“Pennsylvania’s downtowns and Main Streets are often windows into our past, but Governor Shapiro and I believe they can be economic engines for our future,” said Lt. Gov. Austin Davis. “Our ‘Main Streets Matter’ program will invest $25 million into rebuilding Pennsylvania’s commercial business districts and revitalizing our communities to become places where businesses can grow and families can thrive.”
The proposed Main Street Matters program will be administered through the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and will build on the existing successes of the current Keystone Communities Program in supporting downtowns, main streets and surrounding neighborhoods. It will provide for a refresh of the current structure to address a wide variety of needs throughout communities and invest in their revitalization and future prosperity.
Over the last four years, the Commonwealth has invested more than $600,000 to help Ebensburg with a number of projects, including repairs to the Ebensburg Fire Hall, renovation of the Ebensburg Borough Pool, construction of a new dog park at Lake Rowena and the extension of the Ghost Town Rail Trail Loop. During today’s visit to Ebensburg, the Lieutenant Governor announced a new $50,000 Keystone Communities Program grant to support the continuation of a façade improvement program within the central business district. The project will assist at least 17 businesses with needed improvements that will enhance the appearance of the downtown area.
“We were honored to welcome Lieutenant Governor Davis to downtown Ebensburg today and are grateful for his continued commitment to main streets and small businesses,” said Ebensburg Community Development Director Danea Koss. “Our community has benefitted greatly from programs like Main Streets Matter, and we look forward to continuing that that partnership.”
The Governor’s Economic Development Strategy, the first in nearly 20 years, maps the Commonwealth’s path forward to strong economic growth and more good-paying jobs. The Governor’s 2024-25 budget calls for significant investments directly tied back to this 10-year strategy and issues a strong call to action for partners across all sectors to join in with their support.
This proposed budget invests $600 million in total new and expanded investments that will enhance DCED’s ability to implement the Commonwealth’s new 10-year strategic plan for economic development and better serve Pennsylvania’s business community. In addition to the $25 million for the Main Street Matters program, other proposed investments include:
- $500 million in bond funds to expand PA SITES, to support on-site development in priority industries;
- $20 million to support large-scale business innovation;
- $18 million for tourism and business marketing;
- $3.5 million to create and launch the Pennsylvania Regional Economic Competitiveness Challenge.
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis speaks at news conference in Ebensburg; additional photos and video available at PACast.com
Lt. Gov. Austin Davis visits small business in Ebensburg; additional photos and video available at PACast.com
# # #