County staff presented the Centre County 2026 liquid fuels program recommendation and the board engaged in extended questions about municipal capacity to complete projects and matching funds.

Richa and Kochi summarized the funding picture and statutory bases: liquid fuels (authorized under the Liquid Fuel Tax Act of 1931), Act 13 and the fee-for-local-use established under Act 89 of 2013. They reported available amounts for municipal projects: $252,653.39 from county liquid fuels, $1,791,701.58 in fee-for-local-use funds (including an expected December 2025 projection) and $325,368.71 from Act 13. Staff said 23 municipalities (18 townships and 5 boroughs) submitted applications requesting approximately $1,380,000 in total.

For 2026, staff recommended allocations totaling $797,265: $213,800 (liquid-fuel program), $538,465 (fee-for-local-use) and $45,000 (Act 13, designated for rehabilitation work in Walker Township). "For the fee for local use program, the total recommended allocation is dollar 213,800," Richa/Kochi stated as they described the distribution by project type (road improvement, drainage, equipment and paving).

Commissioners asked whether municipalities had the matching funds and whether the projects would be completed in the expected timeframe. Staff said applicants provided anticipated start and completion dates and that most projects are expected to be completed in 2026 or possibly early 2027; they also noted a five-year limitation used in evaluation and that staff followed up with some municipalities to confirm additional local funding.

Staff characterized the recommended allocation as a conservative approach that freed additional funds after completing two large bridge-replacement bundles earlier in the year. The board did not take a final vote on the recommendation at the meeting; staff said they would return for final approval on Dec. 18.