The Centre County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with Bowman Excavating Paving and Concrete on April 17 to upgrade the Centre County Sheriff's Office parking lot. County staff presented the contract as a repair and sealing project to address a previously paved-over underground section associated with the old jail and to prevent a recurrence of last year's sinkhole-like behavior.

The contract amount presented to the board was $77,003.53 and $0.25. County staff noted Bowman had performed satisfactory work on a separate Willowbank office project. Commissioners said the upgrade will provide a more permanent fix for an area that previously behaved like a sinkhole and will better accommodate many sheriff vehicles.

A commissioner moved and seconded the motion to approve the contract; the board voted by voice and the motion passed.