From staff reports

LEWISTOWN — Downtown Lewistown Inc. has been awarded $100,000 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Main Street Matters program to help fund improvements for downtown businesses.

The funding will be used to provide matching microgrants of up to $5,000 for eligible businesses. The grants may be used for capital purchases, structural and interior improvements, hardware and software upgrades, internet connectivity improvements, and professional marketing and promotional activities.

“Small business is the backbone of America and this award of $100,000 from PA’s Main Street Matters Program will support downtown businesses for future investments and improvements,” Mifflin County Commissioners Chairman Rob Postal said.

Downtown Lewistown Inc. President Terry Foster said the organization’s designation as a Main Street Matters Community made it eligible to apply for the funding.

According to DCED, the agency received more than 220 applications requesting more than $68 million during the grant round. Fifty-six projects were selected for a combined $17.2 million in awards.

“Main Streets are the backbone of Pennsylvania’s communities, driving local economies, supporting small businesses and creating places where people want to live, work and visit,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said. “This funding will help revitalize Downtown Lewistown, attract new investment, and create opportunities for businesses and residents alike.”

State Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Belleville, said the grants will support ongoing economic revitalization efforts in downtown Lewistown.

Sen. Judy Ward, R-Hollidaysburg, said the funding will help local businesses continue to grow and strengthen the downtown business district.

Downtown Lewistown Inc. Executive Director Jim Zubler said the funding marks the first time the organization has been able to offer grants for interior business improvements.

“We’ve been successful in helping facilitate nearly 60 exterior facade rehabilitations over our 28-year history,” Zubler said. “With this funding, we’ll now be able to work with small business owners on projects to grow their businesses even further.”

Zubler credited the organization’s Main Street Matters designation, along with support from local municipalities, businesses and state lawmakers, for helping secure the competitive grant.

Application procedures for downtown businesses seeking the microgrants will be announced at a later date.