Matzie: $500,000 secured for improvements along Merchant Street in Ambridge
Rep. Robert F. Matzie April 7, 2025 | 3:28 PM
AMBRIDGE, April 7 – New streetscape improvements are coming to a key downtown corridor in Ambridge thanks to $500,000 in new funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today.
Matzie, who is chairman of the Pennsylvania House Majority Caucus, said the funding – secured under the Main Street Matters program – will allow the borough to enhance traffic control, signage, lighting, sidewalks and other safety features along downtown Merchant Street.
“This latest investment builds on prior improvements to Merchant Street and will continue shaping Ambridge’s key business corridor into a more appealing downtown,” Matzie said. “That means safer, more welcoming public spaces for residents, an environment that draws more foot traffic for area businesses and a more inviting commercial landscape that attracts new businesses and investment. Best of all, it means the prospect of new jobs and new opportunities for our community.”
The current funding brings the state’s recent investment in Merchant Street to nearly $1 million; in 2023 and 2024, Matzie helped secure $450,000 in grants for other improvements to the core downtown corridor.
The grant is part of a package of $17 million awarded for 81 projects statewide under the Main Street Matters program. More information about the funding is available here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/governor-josh-shapiro-announces-81-new-main-street-matters-inves.html.
The Main Street Matters program is designed to support Pennsylvania’s downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding is available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements, and the increase of safety and security. More about the program is available here: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/main-street-matters/.
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ATTN EDITORS/ASSIGNMENT DESKS: Last September, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger joined Matzie in Ambridge to announce the opening of the Main Street Matters program. You can see a photo of the event here: https://www.pahouse.net/Matzie/PhotoGallery?g=6063&PH=66540