The Pocono Mountains Region

The PA Route 6 Alliance has announced the award recipients for the PA Route 6 Façade Program in Wayne and Pike Counties. To date, the program is supporting 20 projects in these counties, representing more than $200,000 in façade improvements. The success of this year’s program reflects strong partnerships between the PA Route 6 Alliance, Pocono Forests and Waters Landscape Area, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Honesdale Partnership. 

This initiative was made possible through a $100,000 Keystone Communities Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), additional support from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and matching funds from local businesses and organizations. The program is part of a broader PA Route 6 Alliance strategy to stimulate economic development by enhancing the visual appeal of small towns across the 11-county PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor. 

Following public informational meetings in March 2024, businesses and organizations in Wayne and Pike Counties were invited to apply for matching grants of up to $5,000 to support physical improvements to their buildings. The response was strong—46 applications were received, highlighting significant local interest in revitalizing and enhancing community spaces. 

All funded projects utilize local contractors, suppliers, and resources—providing an economic boost that often exceeds the value of the individual grant awards. The Alliance also hopes that applicants who did not receive grant funding will still be inspired to pursue their improvement projects, continuing the positive momentum throughout the community. 

“The PA Route 6 Façade Program is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships and community-driven investment can support the revitalization of our small towns and historic corridors,” said Candace Hillyard, Executive Director of the PA Route 6 Alliance. “In the Pocono Mountains Region, we’re seeing firsthand how even modest improvements can spark pride, attract new visitors, and strengthen local economies. We’re especially excited that five additional projects totaling $25,045 in improvements were referred to The Greater Honesdale Partnership (GHP), which was able to leverage its own façade funding to support even more local businesses. Collaborations like these amplify the impact of our efforts and demonstrate the strength of community partnerships along the Route 6 corridor.”