At the Dec. 24 meeting, Crawford County commissioners approved a package of planning-related grants, staffing and contracts intended to support the county’s Crawford Inspired initiative and workforce development.

Planning staff requested and the board approved two municipal assistance program grant contracts with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development: $34,090.50 for a Crawford Inspired character area toolkit and $46,674.55 for a Crawford Inspired data hub and blight project. Both resolutions were moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

Commissioners also approved creation of two planning positions (Planner I and Planner II) that planning staff said will be subsidized largely by competitive grant funding secured by planning staff; the positions will support implementation of Crawford Inspired and related projects.

Planning presented and the board approved a resolution authorizing Crawford County Planning to submit a full application to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) seeking $764,046 for the county’s Local Industry Fundamental Training Program Phase 1. Staff said ARC required a contract change but had approved matches in principle; commissioners voted to proceed.

Other planning items approved at the meeting included payment of a final invoice to Michael Baker International for the 2024 Crawford County comprehensive plan ($21,672.47) and several whole-home repair program payments.

Next steps: Planning staff will continue application and contract work for the ARC proposal and will implement the funded planning positions if grant matches and funding are secured.