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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Bob Freeman |
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House passes measure to extend participation in Main Street Program
HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – A bill that would allow Main Street Program communities to extend their participation in the program for up to an additional five years passed the state House today, according to the bill's sponsor state Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton.
The Main Street Program is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program provides grants to help revitalize downtown business districts and for the assistance of a full-time Main Street manager who works with local officials and downtown merchants to implement a revitalization plan for the downtown. Freeman said that under H.B. 102, communities seeking an extension for participation in the program would have to get approval from DCED.
Under current law, funding is provided for the Main Street manager and initiatives in a five-year matching step-down process where the state’s share is greater in the first year of participation and is reduced each year thereafter. The belief is that the progress made in revitalizing the downtown over the five-year period will enable locals to keep it going on their own after state funding ends.
"Many times we have seen that the current five-year time frame to turn a traditional downtown around is not long enough," Freeman said. "A Main Street community just begins to see progress and the funding stops because of the program's time limit, causing revitalization momentum and success to suffer. If we allow those communities to continue in the program for additional time, we can help ensure their success in achieving their Main Street revitalization goals."
Easton is a Main Street-designated community. The local Main Street office has worked to promote Easton’s Centre Square Farmers Market, to improve the cleanliness and safety of downtown, and has promoted greater awareness of downtown businesses. Easton’s participation is nearing the end of its five-year commitment.
House Bill 102 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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