21 Community Projects in Centre County Awarded More Than $3.2M in State Grants

More than 20 community projects in Centre County — ranging from a Centre County PAWS facility expansion to electric vehicle charging hubs to a rural wastewater treatment system — will receive a combined $3.22 million in state grants, local lawmakers announced on Tuesday.

The funding comes from the Statewide Local Share Account program administered by the Commonwealth Finance Authority. The program distributes gaming revenue to projects that improve the quality of life of citizens and are owned by governmental or nonprofit organizations.

“These grant awards reflect what people here have asked for — improved facilities, planning grants for community-based education programs, water and recycling system upgrades, and the tools our local townships need to keep roads in good shape and improve worker safety,” state Rep. Paul Takac, D-College Township, said. “We’re making critical investments to help make everyday services run more smoothly and to help our communities grow.

Takac was among four lawmakers announcing grants in their Centre County districts, along with Rep. Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte; Rep. Scott Conklin, D-Rush Township, and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, R-Richland Township.

77th State House District

• Ferguson Township — $200,000 for the construction of electric vehicle charging hubs.
• Ferguson Township — $150,000 to improve sidewalks on West College Avenue.
• State College — $150,000 for the construction of an ADA-accessible restroom facility building at Sidney Friedman Park.
• Rush Township — $150,000 to complete a roof replacement project.
• Rowland Theatre — $150,000 to acquire a building adjacent to the theater in Philipsburg to assure ADA accessibility after future renovations.
• Patton Township — $129,120 to pave two existing dirt pump tracks at Bernel Road Park .
• Port Matilda Borough — $100,000 to upgrade a wastewater treatment plant.

“From creating more walkable cities and better park conditions, to improving local homes and businesses, these projects all combine to forge stronger infrastructure here in Centre County,” Conklin said. “I’m proud to secure funding that will directly improve lives here at home.”

“These grants will help our communities repair infrastructure, renovate facilities, purchase equipment and make other critical investments,” Langerholc said.

82nd State House District

• Centre County PAWS — $300,000 for a facility expansion and renovation project to improve animal care, safety and shelter operations. 
• Milesburg Borough Water Authority — $279,400 to replace water mains on Cross Street, improving reliability and safety while reducing long-term maintenance costs.
• Snow Shoe Township — $149,165 for the purchase of a roller to maintain approximately 40 miles of township roads, enabling more regular maintenance and eliminating costly rentals.
• Howard Township — $146,487 for a utility truck and trailer with traffic control devices and cargo boxes.
• Liberty Township —$129,057 for a skid steer with a paver and milling head to support road construction and maintenance.
• Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania — $125,000 for a comprehensive master plan to guide future expansion, including site analysis, architectural design and program and business plans.
• Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority — $100,000 for transportation equipment to improve the efficiency of glass recycling.
• Howard Township — $50,000 for the purchase of a mini excavator to increase efficiency and safety for roadway work and construction projects.
• Mountaintop Area Municipal Authority — $50,000 for a truck with an attached crane to streamline maintenance operations and reduce injury risk for personnel.

“As a whole, these projects will significantly enhance the quality of life across Centre County — safer day-to-day operations, more reliable infrastructure, and greater opportunity for local progress,” Takac said.

171st State House District

• Millheim Borough — $250,000 for the purchase of a water plant generator.
• Miles Township  — $200,000 for a new wastewater treatment system at the Krislund Camp and Conference Center.
• Miles Township Water Authority – $200,000 for the purchase of a new emergency generator.
• Potter Township — $150,000 for the purchase of a new plow truck with snow removal attachments.
• Walker Township — $120,347 for the purchase of a new skid steer and attachments.
• Penn Township — $91,876 for the purchase of a new track loader skid steer.

“I’m proud to have worked with local government leaders and fought to secure this funding, which will support critical projects across the 171st Legislative District,” said Benninghoff. “The funding will support purchases of necessary equipment for our public works crews and much-needed infrastructure improvements.”