Staff recommends $797,265 in targeted transportation funding from liquid fuels, Act 13 and fee-for-local-use programs

County staff on Nov. 14 presented recommendations for the 2026 liquid fuels and related local transportation funds, identifying projects across municipalities and a total recommended allocation of $797,265.

Richen Koci, presenting staff’s analysis, said Centre County relies on three primary local funding sources for transportation infrastructure: liquid fuels (authorized under the Liquid Fuel Tax Act of 1931), Act 13 (established under Act 13 of 2012) and the Fee for Local Use program (authorized under Act 89 of 2013 and implemented locally by a $5 registration fee ordinance the county passed in 2017 and renewed in 2022). Koci summarized available balances and the application review process and said 23 applications were received from 23 municipalities this year.

Staff recommended funding five projects from the liquid fuel program: Benner Township — guardrail installation and drainage stabilization on Briones Lane ($55,000); Burnside Township — new truck with plow and broom ($60,000); Taylor Township — grading and widening 0.1 mile of Tuscovis Lane ($13,800); Union Township — paving final section of T‑398 Isid Hollow Road ($50,000); and Worth Township — Phase 2 improvements to West Saw Mill Road ($35,000). The Act 13 recommendation (total Act 13 recommended allocation $45,000) would support rehabilitation of the Blue Ball Road timber‑deck bridge in Walker Township. Staff also listed seven recommended projects funded from the county’s Fee for Local Use program, including Curtin Township ($93,000), Centre Hall Borough ($15,000), Liberty Township ($141,290), Miles Township ($150,000), Milesport Borough ($15,000), Milheim Borough ($74,175) and Patton Township ($50,000).

Koci said the total recommended allocation across liquid fuel, fee for local use and Act 13 funds equals $797,265 for 2026. Commissioners asked whether municipalities have matching funds and whether projects can be completed in the expected timeframe; staff said applications include start and completion dates, staff considered municipal contribution and road mileage in scoring and most recommended projects are expected to be completed in 2026 or early 2027. Koci also noted that some available balances include expected December allocations, so final available balances could change.

Why it matters: The recommended awards target pavement, drainage, safety and bridge rehabilitation projects in both rural and more populated areas; many municipalities rely on these grants for projects they cannot otherwise fund.

What’s next: Staff will return with a final allocation and request for approval at the Dec. 18 Board of Commissioners meeting.