The Centre County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved allocations totaling $797,265 for transportation and infrastructure projects throughout the county.
Commissioners previously reviewed recommended projects, which are also evaluated by PennDOT for eligibility, for 2026 funding from the county’s Liquid Fuels, Act 13 and Fee for Local use funding.
Transportation planner Richa Rimel presented the final recommendations for projects in 13 municipalities to receive funding.
“This funding is balanced geographically supporting a variety of transportation and infrastructure needs in both rural and more populated municipalities,” Rimel said.
The county had received 23 applications from 18 townships and five boroughs totaling about $1.4 million.
“Obviously the need is a little bit greater than the resources we have available, but these look like good projects,” Commissioner Steve Dershem said.
Funding represents a portion of the project’s total costs, with the balance paid for by local funds or other grants.
LIQUID FUELS FUND
Liquid Fuels Funds are allocations awarded by the Department of Transportation to counties from the state’s liquid fuel tax. Commissioners allocated $213,800 to five municipalities for 2026
• Benner Township received $55,000 for new guiderail and drainage ditch stabilization on Breons Lane. (Total project cost: $79,483.40)
• Burnside Township received $60,000 for purchase of a truck equipped with plow and broom to replace 2008 model. (Total project cost: $131,187)
• Taylor Township received $13,800 grading and shoulder widening on Tuskovich Lane (Total project cost: $18,400)
• Union Township received $50,000 for final paving of 3,184 feet of Egypt Hollow Road. (Total project cost: $105,514)
• Worth Township received $35,000 for the final phase of improvements to West Sawmill Road, spanning 0.6 miles. (Total project cost: $113,701)
ACT 13
Act 13 funding is distributed to counties by the state from unconventional natural gas well impact fees. Commissioners allocated $45,000 to one project for 2026.
• Walker Township will receive $45,000 for rehabilitation work on a timber deck bridge on Blue Ball Road. (Total project cost: $85,798.70)
Fee for Local Use
Fee for local use funding is awarded from the $5 county fee imposed on nonexempt vehicle registrations. Commissioners allocated $538,465 to six municipalities for 2026
• Curtin Township received $93,000 for tar and chip on Summit Hill Road. (Total project cost: $186,128)
• Centre Hall Borough received $15,000 for paving of West Locust Street and North Hoffer Avenue. (Total project cost: $109,798)
• Liberty Township received $141,290 for finishing pavement on Schenck’s Grove Road. (Total project cost: $166,220)
• Miles Township received $150,000 for widening and paving, including base repairs, of Smulton Road. (Total project cost: $334,845)
• Milesburg Borough received $15,000 for repair and reconstruction of Creek Street. (Total project cost: $23,550)
• Patton Township received $50,000 for East Hillside Avenue repair, milling, drainage work and curbing, (Total project cost: $265,000)
Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Higgins said the local transportation funding program helps to keep roads in Centre County in “very good shape.”
“In fact, … a lot of the participants in the Ironman competition were making a lot of compliments about the high quality of the roads and bridges in Centre County, to the point where it actually did somewhat influence their awarding their national championships for next year here in Centre County,” Higgins said.
“Obviously quality of life and safety issues are very important for our transportation network.”
Commissioner Amber Concepcion said she appreciates how the funds are recommended for distribution.
“I appreciate the effort that goes into this in terms of making sure we are allocating these resources in an equitable manner across the county so that, geographically, each township has a chance to come up every few years to be able to be allocated these funds,” Concepcion said.
