The Centre County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve three resolutions authorizing applications or county support for competitive state grants and to approve a memorandum of understanding with the county library if the Keystone grant is awarded.

Natalie Korman, who presented the items to the board, described the first application as a partnership with Friends of Talleyrand seeking a $250,000 DCED Local Share Account (LSA) award to build a performance stage in the county park. "They're actually at about 80% of their goals," Korman said, and officials said construction is anticipated to begin mid-to-late 2026 if funding is secured.

The board then approved Resolution 14 of 2025 to back that application. Commissioner Concepcion moved the resolution and a second was given; the board voted 'Aye' and the motion carried.

Korman next outlined a $217,210 application submitted on behalf of CenterCare to fund three items: an ADA-accessible vehicle for resident medical transportation, enhanced snow-removal equipment for the facility grounds and minor flooring renovations to reduce fall risk. Korman said the LSA program requires no county match for this application. The board adopted Resolution 15 of 2025 in support of the CenterCare application.

Korman's third presentation covered a Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund Library Grant in which the county would apply on behalf of the Centre Hall library for $750,000. The project would expand the library’s footprint from about 2,915 square feet to roughly 5,365 square feet, add multipurpose rooms, enhance the technology area and upgrade HVAC. Korman noted this Keystone grant is a 50/50 match opportunity; she said the library has pursued needs assessments and local fundraising to meet the match requirement. The board adopted Resolution 16 of 2025 to permit the county to apply.

The commissioners also approved an MOU with the Centre County Library and Historical Museum intended to clarify the county’s administrative and reporting responsibilities if the Keystone award is granted. Korman said the county solicitor and staff had reviewed the MOU and that it is similar to prior grant-related agreements.

Each of the three resolutions was moved, seconded and adopted by voice vote. The board’s approvals allow staff and partner organizations to finalize applications and submit them for state review.

The board did not take additional funding commitments beyond the authorization to apply; each award, if received, will come with grant-specific requirements and (in the case of Keystone) a matching obligation that the library must meet.

The board’s actions on the resolutions and the MOU conclude with each item adopted; staff will notify partners and proceed with application steps and required administrative paperwork.