Shapiro-Davis Administration Backs 81 Revitalization Projects Statewide
Editorial StaffInvestments in Community Revitalization Gain Momentum in Pennsylvania
MUNHALL, PA – In a significant stride towards community development, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis revisited the Mon Valley, a place close to his heart, to spotlight the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s commitment to revitalizing 81 community projects statewide. This initiative, part of the newly introduced Main Street Matters program, includes substantial investments in eight projects within Allegheny County.
Reflecting on his upbringing in the Mon Valley, Lt. Governor Davis remarked, “Growing up in the Mon Valley, I saw firsthand the issues many of our communities have with blight and disinvestment. I heard all the stories about how great McKeesport’s Fifth Avenue used to be, but I want us to start a new chapter.” The administration sees the potential for Pennsylvania’s Main Streets to drive future economic growth, especially amidst the unpredictable dynamics of Washington and Wall Street.
A significant portion of these funds, over $460,000, is allocated to Munhall Borough for streetscape enhancements in its business district. This announcement was made during a press event on Munhall’s Main Street, where Lt. Governor Davis engaged with local businesses such as The Pizza Company and Draft House.
State Sen. Nick Pisciottano emphasized the potential impact, stating, “This investment in Munhall’s Main Street will enhance the look, feel, and functionality of the Borough’s business district, encouraging economic growth and making our community an even better place to live, work, and visit.”
State Representative Dan Goughnour highlighted the efforts of his predecessor, Matt Gergely, in securing these funds: “These funds for Munhall are possible thanks to the hard work and efforts of my predecessor, the late Matt Gergely. I look forward to securing more dollars for local institutions and the people I represent.”
In addition to Munhall’s project, seven other Allegheny County projects will share more than $1 million in grants. These include:
| Bloomfield Development Corporation | Liberty Avenue Business District Plan | $22,520 |
| Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation | Penn Avenue Strategic Plan | $17,561 |
| East Allegheny Community Council | East Ohio Street Corridor Lighting Project | $103,100 |
| Mt. Oliver Borough | Façade Improvement Program | $100,000 |
| Munhall Borough | Main Street Business District Streetscape Improvements | $462,045 |
| Neighborhood Allies | Homebase Microgrant Program | $100,000 |
| Pittsburgh Innovation District | S. Craig Street Corridor Development | $213,326 |
| Uptown Partners of Pittsburgh | Uptown Main Street Revitalization Plan | $37,500 |
| $1,056,052 |
Munhall Mayor Rob Falce expressed optimism about the upcoming changes: “The Main Street Matters grant will help revitalize our Main Street in Munhall. This grant will enable us to repair sidewalks, improve the lighting and make it a Main Street we can all be proud of.”
The Main Street Matters initiative, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), is part of a $20 million investment aimed at rejuvenating downtown areas and supporting local businesses. Its success builds on the Keystone Communities Program, which has previously aided Pennsylvania towns in enhancing their infrastructure and economic landscapes. The high demand for these grants, demonstrated by over 200 applications requesting $43 million, has led the Shapiro-Davis Administration to propose an additional $20 million for the 2025-26 budget.
For images and videos from today’s announcement, visit PACast.com.
