FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Bob Freeman                                       D-Northampton www.pahouse.com/freeman

Measure would allow communities to extend participation in Main Street Program

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – The House Local Government Committee this week unanimously approved a bill that would allow Main Street Program communities to extend their participation in the program for an additional five years if needed, according to the bill's sponsor and committee chairman, 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 noted 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.

Freeman said the idea for the reduced funding in subsequent years is the belief 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.

"Unfortunately, we have seen in numerous cases that the current five-year time frame to turn a traditional downtown around is often too short," Freeman said. "A community just begins to see the progress brought on by Main Street initiatives only to see the plug pulled prematurely, often causing revitalization momentum and success to suffer. By allowing participating communities to continue in the program for up to an additional five years, we can ensure their success in achieving 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 before the full House for consideration.