Rick Siger, Secretary at Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) | Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
Governor Josh Shapiro, along with Rick Siger, Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), visited downtown Lewistown to announce its new Main Street designation. This is part of the Main Street Matters program aimed at providing business districts with tools for community enhancement.
The designation allows Downtown Lewistown, Inc. (DLI) to execute a five-year strategy focused on investment and development. The plan includes removing blight and enhancing greenspaces and amenities. With Geisinger Medical Group's purchase of the former Bon-Ton building for a new nursing school, DLI aims to expand the nursing program and attract health professionals and businesses to Lewistown and Mifflin County.
Governor Shapiro stated, "Every community in our Commonwealth - rural, urban, or suburban - has a Main Street, and we know how vital they are to local economies. Our main streets are the beating hearts of towns and cities, and their success is directly tied to the small businesses that line them." He further emphasized his administration's strategic investments in revitalizing these areas by proposing $20 million in funding for the Main Street Matters program in his 2025-26 budget.
The announcement featured speakers including Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish, Governor Josh Shapiro himself, Ryan Cherry from East End Coffee Co., Secretary Rick Siger from Community and Economic Development, and Julie Fitzpatrick from PA Downtown Center.
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