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Centre County commissioners approve grant applications for outdoor stage, long-term care equipment and library expansion
Summary
County commissioners unanimously adopted three resolutions authorizing applications for state grants: $250,000 for the Sage at Talleyrand stage, $217,210 for CenterCare long‑term care equipment and renovations, and a $750,000 Keystone library grant (50/50 match) for Centre Hall library expansion; an MOU to administer the library grant if awarded was also approved.
Centre County commissioners on Nov. 14 voted to authorize three state grant applications and to approve a standard memorandum of understanding to govern local administration if the county receives one award.
Natalie Korman, speaking for county staff, outlined three applications in the state’s Local Share Account (LSA) and Keystone grant programs. She said the first application, submitted in partnership with Friends of Talleyrand, seeks $250,000 to help complete construction of the Sage at Talleyrand outdoor stage. "This $250,000 they are applying for will go toward ... completion of their construction cost that they hope to start in mid to later 2026," Korman said.
The board then authorized an LSA application with CenterCare for $217,210 to fund three project components at the long‑term care facility: an ADA-accessible transport van, enhanced snow‑removal equipment and flooring renovations to reduce fall risk. Korman said the application "totals $217,210" and emphasized the proposed purchases would support resident safety and transportation to medical appointments.
For libraries, staff presented a $750,000 Keystone Recreation Park and Conservation Fund application to expand Centre Hall library from roughly 2,915 square feet to about 5,365 square feet, add multipurpose rooms, improve technology space and upgrade HVAC. Korman noted the Keystone grant is a 50/50 match program and said the library has completed a needs assessment and local fundraising; county staff recommended the board sign a resolution authorizing the county to apply on behalf of the library and to execute a standard MOU laying out administrative and reporting responsibilities "if we are awarded" the grant.
All three resolutions were adopted by voice vote. The board also approved the MOU with the Centre County Library and Historical Museum authorizing the county to administer the grant if the award is made.
Why it matters: The LSA (gambling‑derived) and Keystone programs are competitive state awards that county governments commonly use to support cultural, social and infrastructure projects without requiring a county match for certain LSA requests; Keystone library awards require a local match. The board’s votes allow county staff and partner organizations to continue grant applications and, if successful, to proceed with project planning and procurement.
What’s next: Staff will submit the applications and notify partners of award outcomes. The MOU and grant administration processes will move forward only if the county receives each award and the board approves any resulting contract or acceptance language required by the granting agency.
